LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — University police and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department are said to be working in "lockstep" to find the suspect in a reported sexual assault on the UNLV campus.
Crime
Suspect arrested after UNLV student's assault 'at knifepoint' in campus housing
According to the University Police Department, the assault was reported "in the early morning hours" of Tuesday, April 14, on the north end of the UNLV Maryland campus.
"The suspect is unknown to the victim and is described as a Black male adult, approximately 5'10" tall with a medium build," police stated in a news release.
Police say the suspect left in an unknown direction after the assault and, as of Tuesday afternoon, has not been found.
WATCH | Shellye Leggett shares the reaction from UNLV students on Tuesday:
"If anything happens, I'm up to date and I'm not like accidentally running into a situation and then I get scared. I'm like, oh, why are there cops on campus, you know, I know what's happening," said second year UNLV student, Gisselle Delgado.
"Everybody has it in the back of their head that something could always happen, but, um, yeah, for as long as that I've been here being on campus, I never feel like, you know, there's much room for threat," said third year UNLV student, Alvaro Aguilar.
University Interim President Chris Heavey shared the following in a letter to students and faculty
Dear University Community,
As you may be aware, University Police are investigating a report of a sexual assault which occurred on the north end of the Maryland Parkway campus in the early morning hours today. The suspect fled the area and remains at large.
I am deeply troubled by this incident and I have been in close contact with University Police Department Chief Arnold Vasquez. He assures all of us that UPD is committing all of its resources into the investigation and is working closely with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Our team is also providing support to the victim and offering services they need during this difficult time.
A “Clery Timely Warning” notification has been shared with campus. Our goal is to make sure our students and the university community are informed and aware of the incident so you can take any extra precautions necessary to feel secure.
This news can be distressing and difficult to hear. I assure you that the safety of our students and the entire university community remains our top priority. We have a number of resources in place and available to you and you can expect to see a heightened, more visible UPD patrol presence on our campuses in response to the incident, as ordered by Chief Vasquez.
I encourage the entire university community to review the important safety and security features available on campus. UPD offers numerous personal safety tips and helpful resources on its website, including late night security escort services that can be found on the RebelSAFE app or by contacting the UPD dispatch at (702) 895-3668. Also, UNLV has campus resources available for those in need of support, including the UNLV Care Center for members of the university community impacted by sexual violence, UNLV Counseling and Psychological Services and other campus-based and community mental health resources, or the Faculty and Staff Treatment (FAST) Center.
Finally, let us all make it a point to look out for each other. Rebels take care of one another. Ask your fellow students or colleagues if they are okay or if they need support. Be aware of your surroundings, and do not hesitate to call UPD to report any suspicious activity you see at (702) 895-3668, or in an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
University police are asking community members to contact them with information that could help identify and arrest the suspect.
If you have information to share, you're advised to call 911 or the University Police Department at 702-895-3668.
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