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Police investigating two assaults near the University of Arizona

Victims were able to fight back, get away
Posted at 5:36 PM, Nov 07, 2018
and last updated 2018-11-08 00:30:05-05

Tucson Police are investigating two assaults that happened near the University of Arizona campus. 

University Police and the Tucson Police Department held a joint press conference Wednesday afternoon to address the assaults and debunk rumors. 

On Nov. 3 at around 1:30 a.m., a female student was attacked from behind and pushed to the ground in the 1500 block of East Drachman, police said. The suspect tried to take her phone, but the victim was able to fight back. 

The suspect ran off and is described as a Hispanic male wearing a gray hoodie. 

The second incident happened on Nov. 5 sometime after 8:30 p.m. near Mansfeld Middle School at Sixth and Highland. 

Police said the victim was not able to describe the initial attack, but recalls waking up while being dragged by the suspect. The suspect is described as a white male, over 6 feet tall with shoulder-length hair and a thick beard and mustache. 

Police said the victim in the second incident was also able to fight back the suspect who grabbed her phone. She kicked and punched the suspect who ran off. 

University Police give the following safety tips:

- Utilize ASUA Safe Ride (520) 621-7233

- When possible, walk in groups

- Be aware of your surroundings

- Report suspicious and unusual activity by calling 9-1-1

- Download and use the UA LiveSafe app on your smartphone. The SafeWalk feature allows students to connect with friends to virtually monitor their walk through the phone. 

UAPD and TPD are investigating the incidents. No arrests have been made. 

If you have any information about either of the cases, you're asked to cal 9-1-1 or 88-CRIME.