Community Crime Bulletin—Aggravated Assault, Possible Hate Crime (16-1191)

To: UC Santa Cruz Community

From: Nader Oweis, Chief of Police, UC Santa Cruz

At 11:30 p.m. on November 11, the UC Santa Cruz Police Department received a report of an aggravated assault that occurred near the Quarry Amphitheater. A female student reported that while she was walking on the foot path northwest from the Quarry Plaza, she was followed by three unknown male subjects who began calling out to her in an offensive manner.

As the student continued walking past the amphitheater toward Colleges Nine and Ten, one of the males stuck her on the head using a rock. She was able to flee the area and get help. She was treated by the Santa Cruz Fire Department for minor injuries.

The UC Santa Cruz Police Department is also investigating this as a possible hate crime because the assault may have been committed because of the actual or perceived protected characteristics of the student.

Suspect No. 1 was described as a male in his early 20s, unshaven, wearing unknown colored sweatpants, and a dark baseball cap.

Suspect No. 2 was described as a male in his early 20s, wearing a light colored sweatshirt.

Suspect No. 3 was described as a male in his early 20s.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831–459–2231, ext. 1.

Report all crimes and suspicious activity or persons by dialing 911 or 831–459–2231, ext. 1. Reports may also be made by using one of the many “blue light,” emergency or elevator phones located throughout the campus, or in person at the UC Santa Cruz Police Department.

Safety Tips

Victims are not responsible for being victimized, regardless of any action or inaction on their part. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.

  • Report all suspicious persons, in-progress crimes, and emergencies to the UC Santa Cruz Police Department by calling 911.
  • Be alert to your surroundings. Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims. Attempt to keep a safe distance from strangers.
  • Whenever possible, please remember to lock your vehicle and residence doors. Keep valuables secured and out of sight.
  • Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, tell someone, avoid the person or leave the area.
  • Encourage friends to travel in pairs or with trusted companions, especially at night or in remote areas.

Campus Resources

For students, a range of support services is also available through the Cowell Student Health Center, including personal counseling through Counseling and Psychological Services and support through a Confidential Victim Advocate.

For employees, the Employee Assistance Program can provide personal counseling and support.

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).