Community Advisory

MESSAGE FROM USC’S DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

 If you are in immediate danger, call the LAPD at 9-1-1 or DPS at (213) 740-4321.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) issues community advisories when a crime or incident presents either a serious or continuing threat to the safety of our students, faculty and staff. The purpose of these advisories is to alert the campus community so everyone can make informed decisions about their personal safety.

Over the past month, there have been several reported incidents of sexual battery/fondling that occurred near USC’s campus. DPS believes the similarity of the suspect descriptions and the nature of the crimes makes it likely that a single perpetrator is responsible. We are sharing the similarities of these crimes below to ask for the community’s assistance:

REPORTED OFFENSES:
Female students walking on the north side of USC’s University Park Campus were approached by a male suspect riding a bicycle. The male suspect grabbed their buttocks as he rode past.Most of these reported offenses took place between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. during the week.

SUSPECT DESCRIPTION:
The suspect is a Hispanic male with black hair in his mid-20s. He is between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs between 120-130 pounds.

SUSPECT VEHICLE DESCRIPTION:
The suspect rides a black or dark-colored bicycle.

In the event you are a victim of or witness to a similar crime, DPS requests you report the crime immediately by calling DPS at (213) 740-4321 to report your location and a description of the suspect.

Help fight crime by reporting suspicious persons and/or activity to USC DPS immediately. Please note that race, ethnicity gender, and/or religious affiliation are NOT considered the basis for suspicion; only behaviors are considered suspicious.

 Safety Tips

  • If you are the victim of an incident of fondling or sexual battery, call DPS immediately. For the University Park Campus (UPC), call DPS emergency at (213) 740-4321. For the Health Sciences Campus (HSC), call (323) 442-1000.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Do not display your valuables, including your cell phone. Pay attention to who or what is around you at all times. Do not walk alone off-campus after dark.

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