CINCINNATI — UC police have identified the suspect in a sexual assault that took place near campus at university-owned apartments.
In a message to students, UC Police Chief Eliot Isaac said officers were investigating a sexual assault that occurred between Saturday night and early Sunday morning at Bellevue Gardens. He described the suspect as a white male who has blue eyes and is around 6-foot-4 with a UC logo tattooed on his calf.
On Wednesday, police said that suspect was identified and their investigation is progressing.
UC police also said there is "no ongoing threat" to the campus community.
"It definitely makes me a little nervous. I think I've just been a bit more cautious," said UC freshman Marah Kolner. "Whenever my roommates and I go out, we always have like pepper spray or like a Taser or something so we're trying to just be prepared, and we don't go without each other after it gets dark."
Another freshman, Sydney Tompkins, called the news "unsettling," saying she brought pepper spray, a whistle and a knife with her to school.
The reported sexual assault came just days after a 24-year-old man was indicted on sexual battery, rape and robbery charges after officials said he posted as a resident adviser and raped a 17-year-old girl inside a UC residence hall.
"I know this point in time in college is called the 'Red Zone,' most sexual assaults do occur between the beginning of the school year and Thanksgiving break," said Candace Theil, UC sophomore. "The responsibility of course always falls on the perpetrator, not the victim."
Cincinnati police said Kadarius Short claimed to be an RA when he knocked on a girl's door in The Deacon, an apartment-style dorm near campus. Once inside, CPD said he allegedly strangled her with a phone charging cord, forced her onto her bed and raped her.
Short also took the girl's phone and tried to send himself money. When he couldn't, Short forced the girl to walk to an ATM and withdraw $400, which he took before running away.
In his message to students, Isaac noted that anyone on campus who is a victim of a sex- or gender-based crime but does not want to file a police report can go to the Office of Gender Equity & Inclusion. Staff is available 24 hours a day.
"Personally, I share my location with friends," said Theil. "The Bearcat Guardian App is a really great resource for being able to kind of share location, let people know if I'm going to be walking around at night or I try to stay not alone I try to stay out with people if i am going to be out doing things walk to my friend's house for homework, I try to make sure people know where I'm at, at all times."
"Be more cautious and try to stay safe, I mean it's not always avoidable, but you can definitely take precautions to be more safe," said Tompkins.
There is also a 24-hour Women Helping Women on-campus advocate hotline that students can call at 513-381-5610.
In non-emergency situations, people can call UCPD at 513-556-1111.
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