Newark Police investigate offensive touching incident on Haines Street

12:01 p.m., April 5, 2013--Newark Police are investigating an offensive touching incident involving a University of Delaware student that occurred around 9:06 p.m., Thursday, April 4, in the 100 block of Haines Street in Newark.

The 19-year-old UD student reported that she was walking northbound on Haines Street talking on her phone. When she crossed Continental Avenue, she could hear someone running behind her. She turned around and saw a man approaching her in an aggressive manner. He tackled her, brought her to the ground and began punching her on the left side of her head multiple times. The victim began yelling that she did not have a wallet on her. The suspect did not attempt to go through her pockets or take her phone, but got up and entered a vehicle on Continental Avenue, which left toward South Chapel Street. The victim did not sustain any injuries, refused medical treatment and said she wasn't punched that hard.

The suspect is described as a black man, 20 to 30 years old, approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt (possibly with a white logo) with the hood over his head. The vehicle is described as a smaller size four-door SUV, possibly maroon in color. A license plate number was not obtained.

UD Police sent a UD Alert email to members of the University community Thursday evening about the incident and advised everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity. 

Anyone with additional information on the incident should contact Cpl. Nicholas Sansone at 302-366-7110, ext. 439 or nick.sansone@cj.state.de.us. Anonymous tips can be texted to 302NPD, with the message to TIP411. Information also can be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or www.tipsubmit.com, where a reward may be available. 

Safety tips

UD Police remind members of the University community to take precautions to safeguard themselves against crime:

• Show a confident attitude and be alert and aware of your surroundings. 

• Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with a group, ride a University bus or call Public Safety for a walking escort. 

• Use well-lighted paths and sidewalks, and take the most direct route. 

• Report all suspicious activity by calling 911. 

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