Sexual battery on UC Berkeley campus under investigation
A woman told police that an older stranger had complimented her and touched her inappropriately at the West Crescent.
Authorities are investigating a sexual battery report on the UC Berkeley campus Sunday morning.
According to emergency radio traffic reviewed by The Scanner, a downtown Berkeley hotel guest called police at about 8 a.m. to report that an older stranger had complimented her and touched her inappropriately at the West Crescent, near Oxford Street, about 15 minutes earlier.
The man was described as 50-70 years old, 5 foot 5 with a medium build, possibly wearing a gray shirt, gray pants and glasses.
He had gray hair and may have had an Italian accent, according to early reports.
The man was last seen heading west from the West Crescent lawn into downtown Berkeley.
The Berkeley Police Department responded quickly and searched the BART station and shops on Shattuck Avenue in an effort to locate the man Sunday morning.
Read more about crime near UC Berkeley.
UC Berkeley put out a WarnMe alert about the incident at 10:15 a.m.
Cal students have only recently returned to campus, with fall 2025 classes set to begin next week.
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
- Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination (Title IX)
Other 24/7 resources
- Highland Hospital: 510-437-4800
For more information on sexual violence prevention and resources, UCPD directs members of the campus community to its survivor support website.
