Community crime bulletin: Attempted robbery, assault with injury, false imprisonment with violence

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From:  Nader Oweis, UC Santa Cruz Chief of Police

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is investigating a report of an attempted robbery, an assault causing injury, and false imprisonment with violence that occurred on November 23, between midnight and 12:30 a.m. in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building, during the protest. 

The victim reported that while photographing signs and other activities inside the building, three suspects grabbed and kicked the victim, while one suspect attempted to forcibly take the victim's camera. In addition, during the incident, a large group of people physically moved the victim from the building to an outside staircase where they prevented him from leaving.

  • Suspect 1 was described as a medium-complected male adult, in his 20s, approx. 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a long dark ponytail and brown eyes.
  • Suspect 2 was described as a white male, in his 30s, with dark hair and facial hair.
  • Suspect 3 was described as a light-skinned, short, heavy set African American female, with brown eyes, dark colored hair and in her 20s.
  • A fourth suspect was described as a white male in his 20s, with a round face and numerous piercings.

It can be assumed that conditions continue to exist that may pose a threat to members of our community.  Please consider carefully whether your presence at the areas where this incident occurred could place you in danger.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has information it is encouraged to contact the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231 ext. 1.

Safety Tips:

  • Always be alert to your surroundings.  Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.
  • Immediately report all crimes, suspicious persons, activity or information to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department immediately
  • Try to describe suspects and/or behaviors
  • Trust your instincts.  If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.

Report all in-progress crimes by calling 911. Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231.

This bulletin is in compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).