The Newark Police Department is investigating three possibly related incidents involving harassment University of Delaware students that occurred late Friday, April 14.

The first incident occurred at approximately 10 p.m. in the area of Lovett Avenue and Haines Street. A 19-year-old female UD student reported that she was grabbed on the shoulder and buttocks as she was walking on Haines Street. After grabbing her, the suspect continued walking past, and the victim called police a short time later.

The second incident occurred at approximately 10:35 p.m. on the sidewalk in the unit block of Prospect Avenue. A 20-year-old female UD student reported that she was grabbed on her buttocks by a man as he walked by. He was last seen walking eastbound on Prospect Avenue. This incident was reported to police approximately an hour and 20 minutes later.

The third incident occurred at approximately 11:25 p.m. and began in the area of North Chapel Street and New Street. Two UD students, 20 and 21 years old, reported that they were walking northbound on North Chapel Street when a man began following them on foot. The suspect continued following them to the area of Prospect Avenue, until one of them contacted police by cell phone. Officers checked the area for the suspect, but they were unable to locate him.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic or white male, 20 to 30 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a thin build, beard, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, with dark colored pants. No further description is available at this time.

Investigators from Newark Police and UD Police are actively working to identify a suspect in these incidents.  

Anyone with additional information should contact Newark Police Detective William Anderson at 302-366-7100 x3469 or William.Anderson@cj.state.de.us  Anonymous tips may 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.

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UD Police shared the following safety tips:

• Show a confident attitude and be alert and aware of your surroundings. Follow common sense safety precautions at all times.

• Avoid walking alone at night. Walk with a group, ride a UD shuttle bus or call (302) 831-2222 for a walking escort.

• Keep your doors locked (room and vehicle). Do not prop open residence doors – this is an invitation for trespassers.

• Report all suspicious activity by calling 911 from on or off campus.

In addition, members of the UD community may download a free smartphone app, LiveSafe, that lets users submit tips to police, receive important broadcast notifications and contact the University of Delaware Police Department directly. To learn more, visit this UD Police website.

Visit this website to subscribe for a UD Crime Alert email whenever an article about a police investigation is posted on UDaily. 

For members of the UD community who experience sexual assault, sexual harassment, intimate partner violence or stalking, the University’s Sexual Offense Support (S.O.S.) program provides crisis support and victim advocacy and is available 24/7 by calling 302-831-1001 and pressing 1 or online at www.udel.edu/sos. Learn more about survivor options and resources at www.udel.edu/sexualmisconduct.