UPD Reports On-Campus Sexual Battery

Two men sought in early morning groping incident

Humboldt Sentinel
5/6/09
By Sentinel Staff

ARCATA -- Humboldt State police officers are searching for two men who reportedly groped an 18-year-old woman near one of the dorms early Wednesday, May 6.

The men are described as a white man and a black man in their early 20’s, both about 5’10” to 6’ tall and wearing dark shirts and blue jeans. The white man was wearing white athletic shoes.

The alleged groping happened near the gate connecting Granite Avenue to the Arcata Community Forest, but police said there are no indications the men were campers. They may have been students, but the woman didn’t recognize them.

The woman was walking alone back to her Creekview Hill Residence Hall at about 1:15 a.m. after attending a social gathering at a Canyon Residence Hall. As she paused at the base of Creekview Hill, she was grabbed suddenly by the two male suspects. One held her while the other allegedly groped her through her clothing, which constitutes misdemeanor sexual battery. No weapons were brandished or seen.

University Police Chief Thomas Dewey said his department has made the assault its top investigative priority and is continuing to seek information to help identify and prosecute the suspects.

“Although the crime itself was over in seconds, the impact on the (victim) and other students is incalculable,” Dewey said. “It is an extremely important crime to solve.”

A “Crime Alert” flyer with safety tips to avoid personal risk has been distributed around campus. All members of the campus community are advised to walk with a friend or in groups at night. Anyone who observes suspicious behavior can call UPD at (707) 826-5555 on one of the campus’ blue light phones.

Anyone with information about the case is also urged to contact UPD, either by phone, or by e-mail at hsupd@humboldt.edu. Anonymous information is accepted.