Unknown batterysuspect allegedly attacked student

The USF Police Department (UP) issued a crime alert Thursday afternoon after responding to a reported battery incident in the Student Services (SVC) Building.

The victim, a student, reported the alleged crime, which occurred in a public restroom on the northwest side of SVC.

UP spokeswoman Lt. Meg Ross said the victim left the building before reporting the incident at 4:48 p.m., causing a delay in the report and investigation of the scene.

“We did search the area, but we were unable to locate anybody because the sooner you call the quicker we can respond,” she said. “We haven’t identified the suspect.”

The suspect is described as a white male with a slim build who wore a blue or gray button-up shirt and darker colored dress pants. He is approximately 40 to 50 years old and 6-feet tall.

“A battery report indicates that the victim was touched,” Ross said, “whether they were just touched or punched or kicked.”

Ross said students should call 911 or UP if they notice anything suspicious on campus.

“A battery report is not that infrequent of an occurrence, but this is a somewhat unusual battery report,” she said. “Students should be aware of their surroundings and activities that seem suspicious. These are things that they should do all the time, whether a battery is reported or not.”

The case remains an active investigation, she said.