UPDATE 6/25/12 at 12:29 p.m.:

An attempted sexual assault against a student of The University of Texas took place at the entrance of Roberts Hall around 1:25 a.m. on June 24. With the help of social media, a suspect was identified and an arrest has been made.

The student involved in the sexual assault reported the suspect followed her to the dormitory and attempted to grab her from behind. He left the area quickly after she elbowed and kicked him off. UTPD believes the male is a student who may have involvement in other cases.

“We’re not really sure,” Captain Julie Gillespie said. “We investigate to the fullest and look for similar descriptions, but nothing has been confirmed.”

UTPD posted pictures taken by security cameras to Facebook of a dark-skinned male who is approximately 5’ 4” with a thin build and medium length black hair, combed from left to right. The suspect was reported wearing black rimmed glasses, black basketball shorts, a dark blue t-shirt and a yellow or light-colored bracelet on his right wrist on the night of the assault.

“Well, this one was unbelievable,” Gillespie said. “We posted on Facebook and Twitter and sent out emails and someone recognized him. We went out to talk with them and were able to identify him.”

UTPD’s social media campaign led to 38 likes, 79 shares and 58 Facebook comments as of June 26. Most comments, however, came across in a joke format, offending others who commented on the site. As the comments continued, a discussion between the difference in sexual assault and rape emerged.

Bradley W. Davis received 13 likes for the comment he posted to the discussion on June 24 at 4:22 pm:
“This is a crime investigation. Enough with the ridiculous comments.”

UTPD cautions students against walking alone, especially at night. They stress that students should be aware of their surroundings and report all suspicious activity to 512-471-4441.

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Story originally published on 6/24/12 as: UT student sexually assaulted on campus, police say

An attempted sexual assault against a UT-Austin student took place at the entrance of Roberts Hall around 1:25 a.m. on Sunday.

The University of Texas Police Department is seeking information about a dark-skinned male who is approximately 5’ 4” with a thin build and medium length black hair, combed from left to right.

The suspect was last seen wearing black rimmed glasses, black basketball shorts, a dark blue t-shirt and a yellow or light-colored bracelet on his right wrist.

The attempted sexual assault is an active investigation. Contact the UTPD Criminal Investigations Unit at 471-4441 with any information that pertains to this investigation.

“We have several call boxes so if you need to report anything. Be aware of those,” UTPD Captain Julie Gillespie said. “[To stay safe] students should stay in well list areas and walk around in groups.”