UC Berkeley police seek tips after sexual battery of student
Police said the assailant was a stranger who repeatedly slapped the student's friend when she intervened.
UC Berkeley police released several new details Monday about a sexual battery near campus over the weekend.
In response to inquiries from The Berkeley Scanner, the University of California Police Department confirmed that the woman who was inappropriately touched early Sunday morning was a UC Berkeley student.
Police said the student and a friend were walking outside University Health Services, at 2222 Bancroft Way, when a male stranger knocked the student to the ground shortly before 2 a.m.
UCPD said the man tried to remove the student's clothing "and committed a sexual battery (touching an intimate part)" over her clothing.
When the student's friend intervened, police said, the man "slapped her multiple times."
The student and her friend "were able to fend off the suspect," who fled the area, UCPD said.
Police said no additional details could be shared Monday due to the ongoing investigation but asked anyone with information about this crime or similar incidents to call UCPD at 510-642-6760.
Original story, Feb. 4: Police are investigating a sexual battery that took place near the UC Berkeley campus early Sunday morning, authorities report.
The incident took place in the 2200 block of Bancroft Way, just south of the UC Berkeley campus, just before 2 a.m., the University of California Police Department said in a WarnMe alert at 5:35 a.m.
Police said the assailant initially approached the victim at a business and tried to hug her, "but the victim and her friend walked away."
Read more about sex crimes in Berkeley.
At about 1:55 a.m., he "suddenly grabbed the victim from behind and knocked her to the ground" on Bancroft Way.
"The victim and her friend were able to defend themselves against the suspect, forcing him to flee," UCPD said.
No information was shared about the assailant or whether the victim was affiliated with UC Berkeley.
The Scanner has asked police whether additional details may be available and will update this story if they are.
Campus sexual violence support resources
- Confidential Care Advocate, PATH to Care Center: 510-643-2005 (24/7)
- University Health Services nurse advice line: 510-643-7197 (24/7)
- Gender Equity Resource Center: 510-643-5727
Other 24/7 resources
- Bay Area Women Against Rape: 510-800-4247
- Highland Hospital: 510-437-4800
For more information on sexual violence prevention and resources, UCPD directed members of the campus community to its survivor support website.
