News and Public Media for North Central Florida
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

UFPD identifies rape suspect

The suspect in the November sexual battery of a University of Florida student has been positively identified as 25 year old Tommie Howard, III, of Hawthorne. The University of Florida Police Department obtained a warrant for his arrest late last night.  UFPD is now searching for Howard.  UFPD  began an extensive criminal investigation after a UF student reported being sexually battered in West Gainesville. The department became involved in this case after the victim escaped from her assailant around Fraternity Row and West Fraternity Row. UFPD is working in combination with the Gainesville Police Department, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.  Anyone with information about the wherabouts of the suspect, Tommie Howard, III, is asked to contact UFPD at (352) 392-1111 or Crime Stoppers at (352) 372-STOP. A monetary reward is being offered.

Donna is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.