Campus Alert Archive
UCSB

Timely warning covers two stalking reports on consecutive days by the same suspect

AI-generated · every claim is source-linked
CAstalkingtimely warninghigh confidence
Compare →
Under Investigation

The UC Santa Barbara Police Department issued a timely warning on May 16, 2024 covering two reported stalking incidents on consecutive days: one outside the Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) on May 13, 2024 at approximately 7:00 PM PDT, and one outside Theater and Dance West on May 14, 2024 at approximately 4:00 PM PDT. In each, the suspect approached a victim, asked for their phone number, and then contacted them offering to pay them to meet and talk. The suspect was described as an Asian or Indian adult male, approximately 25-30 years old, 6 feet tall, thin build, around 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Alerts
1
Response
—
Killed
—
Injured
—
Institution
University of California, Santa Barbara
Public R1 · CA
All UCSB cases →
~26,000 studentsUCSB Alert
Official alert policy
Read when and how UCSB says it will use UCSB Alert: summarized, quoted, and analyzed.
Documented Timeline

Alert Sequence

1 message in sequence · 1 verified verbatim

Confirmed wording is transcribed character-for-character from a primary source. Use Verify this quote under each message to open that source in a new tab and compare the text yourself.

INITIAL ALERTEmail
Verified verbatim4016 chars
Content Warning: This timely warning includes descriptions of stalking. In an effort to promote campus safety and provide timely information to our campus community, the following information is being provided so that you can make informed decisions about your safety. We encourage all community members to care for their needs and well-being while reading this message, especially those who have been impacted by similar forms of violence. CARE provides free and confidential support and advocacy to students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual violence, including sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. Please call the 24/7 confidential phone line (805) 893-4613 any time to explore your rights, options, and support. CARE website: care.ucsb.edu Stalking is a form of Sexual Violence under University policies. Information about UCSB’s policies and support resources for sexual violence can be found at: titleix.ucsb.edu Report This is a Timely Warning regarding a crime that occurred on campus property. On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the UCSB Police Department received a report of stalking that occurred outside Theater and Dance West on May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m. The suspect approached the victim, asked for their phone number, and then contacted them, offering to pay them to meet and talk. On May 15, 2024 the UCSB Police Department received a similar report where the suspect approached the victim, asked them for their phone number, and then texted them, offering them money to meet and talk. This incident occurred outside the Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) on May 13, 2024 around 7:00 p.m. The suspect is described as an Asian or Indian adult male, approximately 25-30 years old, 6 feet tall, thin, around 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. During the incident on May 14th he was described as wearing a grey sweatshirt, black pants, and a backpack. UCPD is investigating this crime. If you have information that might assist in the investigation, please contact the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446, or report crime information anonymously at www.police.ucsb.edu/report-crime. UCPD reminds the campus community of the following safety tips: • If you start to feel concerns about a person, phone call or message, trust your instincts and try to remove yourself as quickly as possible from the potential threat, even if it feels awkward to do so. • If you feel you are being followed, try to get the attention of people nearby, run/walk to a well-lit or more populated area, and call 911 to ask for help. • You are not obligated to provide your personal or sensitive information to anyone if you don't feel comfortable doing so. • Do not hesitate to contact UCPD to report any concerning persons, messages, or activities. • If you are in fear for your safety or the safety of others, call 911 immediately. UCPD shares these Safety Tips while recognizing that perpetrators, and not the victims or survivors, are solely responsible for their actions. Additional Resources • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides individual counseling, group counseling, and wellness opportunities to students. Call (805) 893-4411 or submit a CAPS Services Request Form. 24/7 phone counseling is available by calling (805) 893-4411. CAPS website: caps.sa.ucsb.edu. • The Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers short-term counseling, consultation, wellness workshops, and assistance with threat management to faculty and staff. Call (805) 893-3318 to schedule an appointment. ASAP website: www.hr.ucsb.edu/hr-units/employee-services/asap. • The UCSB Police Department's CSO Safety Escort Program is a free service provided to members of the UCSB community as a safe alternative to walking alone at night. Call (805)893-2000 to request a CSO escort. For more information: https://www.police.ucsb.edu/cso/cso-safety-escorts. **UCPD encourages printing and posting of this Timely Warning for further community notification.**
Verify this quote
UCSB Police Department Timely Warning (official)police.ucsb.edufind archived copies
The alert includes a content warning for stalking descriptions, a practice that has become increasingly common at UC campuses and reflects trauma-informed communication practices
Unlike many stalking timely warnings which omit suspect details to protect the victim, this alert provides a detailed physical description because the suspect was unknown to the victim
The behavior described, offering to pay someone to meet after unsolicited contact, represents a non-traditional stalking pattern that differs from the repeated following behavior more commonly associated with campus stalking cases
The timely warning was issued May 16, 2024, covering two reported stalking incidents on consecutive days (May 13 outside HSSB and May 14 outside Theater and Dance West) by the same suspect
Aggregating multiple incidents into a single timely warning is standard practice when a single perpetrator is implicated in a course of conduct
Message elements

How the first alert is built

To check this alert, Claude (an AI) read it in full 25 separate times, independently. Each read decided whether the message answers each of the six questions and gave a short reason. A final reviewer then weighed all 25 and wrote the plain-English verdict you see when you open a row. The score (for example 22/25) is how many reads agreed; the 25 individual reads are tucked underneath if you want to check them.

Content Warning: This timely warning includes descriptions of stalking. In an effort to promote campus safety and provide timely information to our campus community, the following information is being provided so that you can make informed decisions about your safety. We encourage all community members to care for their needs and well-being while reading this message, especially those who have been impacted by similar forms of violence. CARE provides free and confidential support and advocacy to students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual violence, including sexual assault, relationship violence, and stalking. Please call the 24/7 confidential phone line (805) 893-4613 any time to explore your rights, options, and support. CARE website: care.ucsb.edu Stalking is a form of Sexual Violence under University policies. Information about UCSB’s policies and support resources for sexual violence can be found at: titleix.ucsb.edu Report This is a Timely Warning regarding a crime that occurred on campus property. On Tuesday, May 14, 2024, the UCSB Police Department received a report of stalking that occurred outside Theater and Dance West on May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m. The suspect approached the victim, asked for their phone number, and then contacted them, offering to pay them to meet and talk. On May 15, 2024 the UCSB Police Department received a similar report where the suspect approached the victim, asked them for their phone number, and then texted them, offering them money to meet and talk. This incident occurred outside the Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) on May 13, 2024 around 7:00 p.m. The suspect is described as an Asian or Indian adult male, approximately 25-30 years old, 6 feet tall, thin, around 175 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. During the incident on May 14th he was described as wearing a grey sweatshirt, black pants, and a backpack. UCPD is investigating this crime. If you have information that might assist in the investigation, please contact the UCSB Police Department at (805) 893-3446, or report crime information anonymously at www.police.ucsb.edu/report-crime. UCPD reminds the campus community of the following safety tips: • If you start to feel concerns about a person, phone call or message, trust your instincts and try to remove yourself as quickly as possible from the potential threat, even if it feels awkward to do so. • If you feel you are being followed, try to get the attention of people nearby, run/walk to a well-lit or more populated area, and call 911 to ask for help. • You are not obligated to provide your personal or sensitive information to anyone if you don't feel comfortable doing so. • Do not hesitate to contact UCPD to report any concerning persons, messages, or activities. • If you are in fear for your safety or the safety of others, call 911 immediately. UCPD shares these Safety Tips while recognizing that perpetrators, and not the victims or survivors, are solely responsible for their actions. Additional Resources • Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) provides individual counseling, group counseling, and wellness opportunities to students. Call (805) 893-4411 or submit a CAPS Services Request Form. 24/7 phone counseling is available by calling (805) 893-4411. CAPS website: caps.sa.ucsb.edu. • The Academic & Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) offers short-term counseling, consultation, wellness workshops, and assistance with threat management to faculty and staff. Call (805) 893-3318 to schedule an appointment. ASAP website: www.hr.ucsb.edu/hr-units/employee-services/asap. • The UCSB Police Department's CSO Safety Escort Program is a free service provided to members of the UCSB community as a safe alternative to walking alone at night. Call (805)893-2000 to request a CSO escort. For more information: https://www.police.ucsb.edu/cso/cso-safety-escorts. **UCPD encourages printing and posting of this Timely Warning for further community notification.**

  • Sourcepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that 'UCSB Police Department' is clearly named as the issuing/investigating agency.

    Who is sending the alert and who is responding. People act faster on a message from a clearly identifiable, credible sender, such as a named department, the police, or a branded alert system, than on an anonymous notice. A branded signature counts.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: Issued by 'the UCSB Police Department'.
    2. present: 'UCSB Police Department' named as issuer of the Timely Warning
    3. present: Issued by UCSB Police Department, 'UCPD is investigating'.
    4. present: 'UCSB Police Department' and 'UCPD' identified as investigating/issuing agency.
    5. present: UCSB Police Department is named as issuing the timely warning.
    6. present: Identifies 'UCSB Police Department' and 'UCPD'.
    7. present: 'UCSB Police Department' clearly identified as sender.
    8. present: Names 'UCSB Police Department' as the reporting/investigating authority.
    9. present: Identifies 'UCSB Police Department' as investigating agency and CARE program.
    10. present: 'UCSB Police Department' named as source of report.
    11. present: Issued by UCSB Police Department.
    12. present: 'UCSB Police Department' identified as investigating agency issuing the Timely Warning.
    13. present: 'UCSB Police Department received a report', 'UCPD is investigating'.
    14. present: Issued by the 'UCSB Police Department', named explicitly.
    15. present: Identifies UCSB Police Department as issuer of this Timely Warning.
    16. present: Issued by 'UCSB Police Department'.
    17. present: 'UCSB Police Department' identified as the investigating agency issuing the Timely Warning.
    18. present: Identifies 'the UCSB Police Department' as receiving and investigating agency.
    19. present: Issued by 'UCSB Police Department' as Timely Warning.
    20. present: 'UCSB Police Department' identifies issuing agency.
    21. present: Issued by 'UCSB Police Department', UCPD.
    22. present: Identifies 'the UCSB Police Department' as investigating agency
    23. present: Issued by 'UCSB Police Department' explicitly named.
    24. present: Identifies 'UCSB Police Department' as reporting and investigating agency.
    25. present: Issued by 'UCSB Police Department', 'CARE', and 'UCPD'.
  • Hazardpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that 'stalking' is explicitly and specifically named as the offense.

    What the threat actually is. A complete warning names the specific danger, such as a shooter, a fire, a tornado, or a gas leak, rather than a vague emergency, because people decide what to do based on what they are facing.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: Names 'stalking'.
    2. present: 'stalking' named as the offense
    3. present: States 'a report of stalking'.
    4. present: 'stalking' explicitly named.
    5. present: Names 'stalking'.
    6. present: Names 'stalking'.
    7. present: 'stalking' names specific offense.
    8. present: States this is a 'Timely Warning regarding' 'stalking' incidents.
    9. present: States 'a report of stalking.'
    10. present: 'stalking' named explicitly.
    11. present: Names 'stalking' specifically.
    12. present: Names 'stalking' as the offense.
    13. present: 'stalking' named explicitly.
    14. present: States the report is of 'stalking'.
    15. present: States 'stalking' specifically.
    16. present: States 'crime that occurred', specifically 'stalking'.
    17. present: 'a report of stalking' names the hazard.
    18. present: States 'a report of stalking'.
    19. present: States 'stalking' offense described.
    20. present: 'stalking' names specific offense.
    21. present: Names 'stalking' offense.
    22. present: States 'a report of stalking'
    23. present: Describes 'stalking' report.
    24. present: States 'a report of stalking'.
    25. present: States 'stalking' and describes the suspect's actions.
  • Locationpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that 'outside Theater and Dance West' and the Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) are specifically named locations.

    Where the threat is. Saying whether danger is in a specific building, a part of campus, or area-wide lets people judge their own proximity and choose a safe direction. Without a where, a warning is hard to act on precisely.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    2. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West' named
    3. present: Names Theater and Dance West and HSSB building.
    4. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB' specified.
    5. present: Names Theater and Dance West and HSSB.
    6. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    7. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB' given.
    8. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB)'.
    9. present: Names outside Theater and Dance West and Humanities and Social Sciences Building.
    10. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB' named.
    11. present: Names outside Theater and Dance West and HSSB.
    12. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB.'
    13. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West', 'Humanities and Social Sciences Building.'
    14. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    15. present: Names outside Theater and Dance West and HSSB.
    16. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'Humanities and Social Sciences Building'.
    17. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB' named.
    18. present: Names 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    19. present: Names 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    20. present: 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB' name locations.
    21. present: Names 'outside Theater and Dance West' and HSSB.
    22. present: Names 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'Humanities and Social Sciences Building'
    23. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    24. present: Names 'outside Theater and Dance West' and 'HSSB'.
    25. present: Names 'Theater and Dance West' and 'Humanities and Social Sciences Building'.
  • Guidancepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that the message gives multiple concrete safety tips, including removing oneself from the situation and calling 911.

    The protective action to take. A clear, specific instruction, such as shelter in place, evacuate, avoid the area, or run-hide-fight, drives faster and more correct protective behavior than describing the threat alone.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: Gives tips like 'try to remove yourself... call 911 to ask for help'.
    2. present: 'trust your instincts and try to remove yourself' safety tips
    3. present: Provides safety tips like trust instincts and call 911.
    4. present: Safety tips such as 'try to remove yourself as quickly as possible' and 'call 911' are protective actions.
    5. present: Provides safety tips like trusting instincts and calling 911.
    6. present: Provides safety tips like trusting instincts and calling 911.
    7. present: 'trust your instincts and try to remove yourself', 'call 911 immediately' are protective actions.
    8. present: Lists safety tips like 'run/walk to a well-lit or more populated area, and call 911'.
    9. present: Provides extensive safety tips like trusting instincts and calling 911.
    10. present: Numerous safety tips such as 'trust your instincts...run/walk to a well-lit...area, and call 911'.
    11. present: Safety tips include trusting instincts and calling 911 if followed.
    12. present: Tips include 'run/walk to a well-lit or more populated area, and call 911.'
    13. present: 'trust your instincts and try to remove yourself'; 'call 911 immediately.'
    14. present: Lists safety tips like trusting instincts and calling 911 if followed.
    15. present: Provides safety tips like trusting instincts, moving to well-lit areas, calling 911.
    16. present: Lists tips like 'try to remove yourself as quickly as possible' and 'call 911'.
    17. present: Safety tips like 'try to remove yourself...call 911 for help'.
    18. present: Advises to 'trust your instincts', 'call 911', contact UCPD.
    19. present: Provides safety tips like 'trust your instincts' and 'call 911'.
    20. present: 'trust your instincts and try to remove yourself', 'call 911' give protective actions.
    21. present: Lists tips like 'try to remove yourself as quickly as possible' and 'call 911'.
    22. present: Provides safety tips like 'trust your instincts and try to remove yourself'
    23. present: Advises 'trust your instincts', 'call 911', contact CARE.
    24. present: Lists safety tips like 'trust your instincts' and 'call 911 immediately'.
    25. present: Advises 'trust your instincts and try to remove yourself' and 'call 911 immediately'.
  • Timepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that specific dates and an approximate time, 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.,' are given.

    When the message applies. A timestamp, the word now or immediately, or a phrase like until further notice tells the reader whether the danger is current and how quickly to act.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: Gives 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.' and related dates.
    2. present: 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.' given
    3. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.'
    4. present: 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.' given.
    5. present: States May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m. and other specific times/dates.
    6. present: Gives dates and times like 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.'
    7. present: 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.' given.
    8. present: Gives 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.'.
    9. present: States 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024... around 4:00 p.m.'
    10. present: 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'
    11. present: Gives May 14, 2024, around 4:00 p.m. as occurrence time.
    12. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024... around 4:00 p.m.'
    13. present: 'On Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'
    14. present: Gives 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.' and related dates.
    15. present: Gives specific dates and times 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.'
    16. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'
    17. present: 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.' given.
    18. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'
    19. present: Gives 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.' and other dates.
    20. present: 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.' gives specific date/time.
    21. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'.
    22. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'
    23. present: Gives 'May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.'
    24. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024...around 4:00 p.m.'
    25. present: Gives 'Tuesday, May 14, 2024 around 4:00 p.m.'
  • Impactabsent0/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous agreement that the message describes the stalking behavior but never states a potential harm or severity to recipients.

    What the hazard could do to the people in its path. Beyond naming the threat, a complete warning conveys its potential consequences or severity, such as that a tornado can level buildings or that a leak could be explosive, so recipients grasp how much danger they are in. Research on warning message content finds that a concrete impact statement helps people personalize their risk and act sooner.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. absent: No stated potential harm beyond describing the incident.
    2. absent: describes suspect actions but no explicit stated danger/severity
    3. absent: No stated potential harm or severity beyond describing the stalking behavior.
    4. absent: No explicit statement of potential harm or severity beyond describing the stalking incident.
    5. absent: No stated potential harm beyond the offense description.
    6. absent: No stated severity beyond the described conduct.
    7. absent: No stated severity or potential harm conveyed.
    8. absent: Describes the stalking behavior but no explicit statement of severity or danger.
    9. absent: No stated severity or potential physical harm beyond the offense description.
    10. absent: No explicit statement of potential harm/severity beyond describing the stalking behavior.
    11. absent: No stated consequence or severity beyond naming the offense.
    12. absent: No explicit statement of ongoing severity beyond describing the incidents.
    13. absent: No explicit statement of potential harm beyond describing the stalking behavior.
    14. absent: No explicit statement of potential harm beyond describing the incident.
    15. absent: No explicit statement of severity or consequence beyond describing the offense.
    16. absent: No explicit statement of harm or severity beyond the crime description.
    17. absent: No stated consequence or severity beyond describing the stalking behavior.
    18. absent: No explicit statement of potential harm or severity conveyed.
    19. absent: No explicit statement of ongoing danger or severity beyond the described incidents.
    20. absent: No stated consequence or severity beyond description of the stalking behavior.
    21. absent: No explicit statement of severity or consequence beyond describing offense.
    22. absent: No stated potential harm beyond describing the stalking incidents
    23. absent: No explicit statement of potential harm beyond describing the offense.
    24. absent: No explicit statement of severity or potential harm.
    25. absent: No explicit statement of what harm could occur, only descriptive report of what happened.

Systematic AI judgments with visible reasoning, not human-validated codings.

About this analysis
Context

Background

UCSB's stalking timely warning of May 16, 2024 is notable for including a content warning at the top of the message, a practice that emerged at UC campuses following student advocacy for trauma-informed communication. The warning bundled two reported incidents on consecutive days: May 13 outside the Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSSB) at approximately 7:00 PM PDT and May 14 outside Theater and Dance West at approximately 4:00 PM PDT, both by the same described suspect who asked victims for their phone number and then offered money to meet. HSSB is a central academic building on the UCSB campus and is frequently occupied during evening hours. This incident occurred less than a month after a separate attempted abduction and sexual assault was reported near the campus Labyrinth on April 20, 2024, heightening campus safety concerns during the spring quarter. Stalking was added to the list of Clery-reportable offenses by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013, and UCSB's alert reflects the evolving practices for communicating these incidents.
Analysis

Key Findings

Content warnings on timely warning notifications represent an emerging practice at UC campuses that balances Clery compliance with trauma-informed communication
Stalking timely warnings for incidents involving unknown suspects can include detailed physical descriptions, unlike those involving known individuals where victim privacy is the priority
The offering-to-pay behavior pattern illustrates how stalking under the Clery Act encompasses a broader range of conduct than the popular conception of following or surveillance
UCSB's May 16, 2024 timely warning aggregated two stalking reports on consecutive days (May 13 HSSB and May 14 Theater and Dance West) into a single notification, standard practice when a single suspect is implicated in a course of conduct
Outcome
Under investigation by UCSB Police Department.
Provenance

Sources

Every claim on this page is meant to be checkable. Open the links below (and the Verify this quote control under each confirmed alert) to read the original university, news, or archive page yourself. Hostnames are shown so you can see where you are going; archived copies survive when live pages move or disappear. See also our methodology.

  1. Official
    UCSB Police Department Timely Warning - Stalking
    police.ucsb.edu
    archived copy
  2. Student Paper
    Stalker at large asks students for number, offers money to meet, UCPD reports (Daily Nexus)
    dailynexus.com
    archived copy
  3. News
    Attempted Abduction and Sexual Assault Alleged at UC Santa Barbara
    independent.com
    archived copy
Cite this case

Campus Alert Archive. "University of California, Santa Barbara: Timely warning covers two stalking reports on consecutive days by the same suspect." Incident of May 13, 2024. Added April 2026; last updated July 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/ucsb-stalking-2024-05-13/

Download case JSON

Alert text quoted on this page remains the work of the issuing institution; the archive is a secondary source.

Tags
stalkingtimely-warningcontent-warningvawacaliforniauc-systemUnder Investigation
Added April 2026Updated July 2026Via ingestion