A suspect accused of violently assaulting multiple female students at the University of California, Los Angeles, was arrested and found in possession of zip ties, duct tape, and rope, authorities confirmed.
The suspect was identified as Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, a 29-year-old homeless man with no affiliation to the university, according to the UCLA Police Department.
Campus police responded to a report of a robbery around 11:35 p.m. Thursday, after a student reported that the suspect approached her from behind and used physical force to steal her cellphone. As officers began searching for the individual, they received reports of additional assaults at several residential facilities on campus, including De Neve Evergreen, Dykstra Hall, and Cedar Hall. In each incident, Akindahunsi allegedly followed or approached female students, physically assaulted them, and attempted to restrain or sexually assault them, police said.
Just after midnight Friday, officers received a report of an ongoing assault. A witness reported hearing a student crying out for help. They intervened and chased the suspect into a parking structure, where police detained Akindahunsi. Multiple victims and witnesses identified him as the attacker, and authorities stated they found zip ties, duct tape, and paracord on his person at the time of arrest.
He was arrested on suspicion of robbery, sexual battery, attempted kidnapping, and assault with intent to commit a sex offense. He is being held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Reception Center, with bail set at $2.3 million.
“I commend our officers for their quick response and excellent work in locating and arresting the suspect,” said UCLA Chief of Police Craig Valenzuela. “I am also grateful to the victims and witnesses who reported what occurred and assisted responding officers. Incidents like these are deeply concerning, and the safety and security of our campus community remains our highest priority. Our officers will continue working to help ensure UCLA remains a safe place to live, learn, work and visit.”
While police said there is “no known ongoing threat” to the public, UCLA police will increase patrols around the affected residential areas out of an abundance of caution.
