UC Santa Barbara police are investigating a sex attack that occurred on campus on June 24, as the university community continues to grapple with an unsolved rape and strangulation case reported on May 9. The recent incident involved a man who allegedly groped a pedestrian on West Campus.
The June 24 attack took place around 11:30 a.m. along an unnamed paved access road between Slough Road and West Campus Lane. According to a warning issued by UCSB police, the suspect rode past the victim on a bicycle, wearing shorts and a tank top. He circled back twice, asked the victim questions, and then allegedly struck the pedestrian on the buttocks from behind before fleeing toward Tierra De Fortuna Park.
Authorities described the suspect as a Hispanic or Middle Eastern man, approximately 35 years old, shorter than average, and with a thin build. He was last seen heading toward the Isla Vista community.
This incident occurred as UCSB police have yet to identify a suspect in the May 9 assault. In that case, an 18-year-old freshman was allegedly raped and strangled in her dormitory at Tropicana Gardens. Investigators believe the victim met the suspect, whom she did not know beforehand, at a fraternity party in Isla Vista. The case remains unsolved, contributing to heightened anxiety among students and prompting an emotional candlelight vigil.
The victim's family has publicly appealed for increased law enforcement involvement and urged anyone with information to come forward. Their attorney, Tyrone Maho, stated that the case remains open.
UCSB police have advised students and staff to be aware of their surroundings and to seek attention from others if they feel they are being followed. They also recommend informing someone of travel plans when going out alone. The June 24 attack occurred two days after the start of UCSB's summer quarter. Police have not confirmed whether the victim of the groping incident is a student.