WUFT-TV/FM | WJUF-FM
1200 Weimer Hall | P.O. Box 118405
Gainesville, FL 32611
(352) 392-5551

A service of the College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida.

© 2024 WUFT / Division of Media Properties
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

Police Issue Alert On Sighting Of Person Matching Description Of Previous Attacks

Gainesville Police issued an alert last night after a person matching the description of the suspect from recent assaults was reportedly seen around the Hub on the University of Florida campus.

Police are looking for a tall, white male approximately 22-years-old wearing an orange shirt, blue shorts and orange hat. The suspect was reportedly last seen just north of campus at 11:30 pm last night.

Gainesville Police Department spokesman Ben Tobias released a statement this morning that said, "an intoxicated female thought someone was following her and thought the suspect description matched the recent attacks."

The female was walking home from a party through campus when she told police she noticed someone who fit the description was following her. After arriving home safely, she called a friend in Jacksonville, who then called Gainesville Police.

However, her version of the time, events and description of the suspect changed several times, according to Tobias.

No attack occurred and no person matching the description was found in the incident.

"We don’t believe any crime occurred," said Tobias. "UF sent a UF Alert out of an abundance of caution."

There have been no new attacks related to the string of assaults on or near the university campus since September 7.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact GPD detectives at 352-393-7658. Anonymous tips can also be made by calling CrimeStoppers at 352-372-STOP or by texting keyword “GPDFL” with your tip to 274637 (CRIMES).

 

 

Contact WUFT News by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news @wuft.org