Gainesville Police are currently investigating an armed burglary and case of sexual battery that happened around 4 a.m. Monday. The burglary occurred in the 400 block of Southwest 10th Street.
The continuing investigation revealed an unknown black male, armed with a handgun, entered a home through an unlocked backdoor, according to a GPD press release. The suspect sexually assaulted the female resident at gunpoint. The man took two MacBook Pro laptops, an iPhone and other personal items before leaving the home on foot, according to the press release.
The female victim's male roommate called the University of Florida Police Department's non-emergency number to report the incident. UFPD immediately transferred the call to GPD’s emergency system and GPD and UFPD officers responded to the scene. The suspect was not found, and a UF Alert was sent to students due to the close proximity of the crime to campus.
Officer Ben Tobias, GPD spokesman, said police did not receive the call from the male roommate until about 30 minutes after the incident occurred. Police also spoke with the female victim to confirm the information. Both the male and female residents are UF students.
The suspect is described as approximately 6 feet tall with a slim build. He wore a gray sweatshirt, black “skinny” jeans and black wrap-around sunglasses. Police consider him to be armed and dangerous. A resident near the home recognized the suspect's description and saw the possible suspect walking west on Southwest 7th Avenue.
GPD detectives are still actively investigating this case and will release information as it becomes available. If any suspicious activity is spotted, police said to report the information to 9-1-1 immediately. Any information that can help police identify the suspect should be given to GPD detectives at 352-393-7670. Anonymous tips can also be given by texting the keyword "GPDFL" and a tip to the number 274637. Police remind students to keep all doors and windows of homes locked at all times.
Dana Edwards wrote this story online.