Campus Alert Archive
UArizona

Grabbed From Behind Near Campus: Two Women Report Attempted Abductions as University of Arizona Boosts Security

AZmissing persontimely warningmedium confidence
Under Investigation

On December 7, 2023, a female University of Arizona student was walking near 8th Street and Mountain Avenue, approximately two blocks south of campus, when an unknown male in a vehicle followed her and then grabbed her from behind. The victim dropped to the ground and screamed, causing the suspect to flee. A second victim subsequently reported a similar incident near North Campbell Avenue and East 3rd Street. The University of Arizona Police Department issued Clery timely warnings and the university increased security patrols and resources in the area.

Alerts
2
Response
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Killed
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Injured
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Institution
University of Arizona
Public R1 · AZ
~50,000 studentsUAlert
Confirmed Timeline

Alert Sequence

2 messages in sequence · 1 verified verbatim

Some alert texts below are approximate reconstructions from news coverage, not confirmed verbatim transcripts. Reconstructed texts are shown in italic with a dashed border. Verified verbatim texts have a solid border and are marked accordingly.

INITIAL ALERTEmail
Verified verbatimVerbatim from UAPD's official 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus - Update' Timely Information notice984 chars
Attempted Abduction Off-Campus - Update. According to the Tucson Police Department, shortly after 8:00 PM, an adult female student was walking west on 8th Street from Mountain Avenue (two blocks south of the campus) when she noticed a car following her. A male suspect parked the vehicle, got out and grabbed her from behind. The victim, while being physically restrained, dropped to the ground and started screaming. The suspect released the victim and ran to his vehicle before driving away. As the investigation progresses, TPD detectives are working in conjunction with the University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD). TPD is actively searching for the suspect and anyone with information or surveillance video of the area is asked to call 9-1-1 or 88-CRIME (520-882-7463). UAPD is enhancing its patrol capabilities to provide a higher level of visibility and engagement, and will utilize police officers, safety aides and student community service officers to accomplish this.
Verbatim from the University of Arizona Police Department's posted Timely Information notice on uapd.arizona.edu
The location at 8th Street and Mountain Avenue is approximately two blocks south of the main campus boundary
UAPD uses the term 'Timely Information' rather than 'Timely Warning' in its alert naming convention
The detailed multi-agency framing (TPD detectives + UAPD patrols, with 88-CRIME and 9-1-1 contact options) reflects UAPD's standard cross-jurisdiction response template
UPDATEEmail
Approximate reconstruction544 chars
UAPD Timely Information Update: Attempted Abduction Off-Campus. A second victim has contacted police and reported a similar incident from Wednesday morning at approximately 11:00 AM near N. Campbell Ave. and E. 3rd Street. The suspect vehicle is now also described as a dark blue four-door car, possibly an early 2000s Toyota Camry or Corolla with a fading Arizona license plate. UAPD is increasing patrols in the area. Use the SafeRide service and avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Report suspicious activity to UAPD at 520-621-8273.

This text has been reconstructed from news coverage and may not reflect the exact original wording.

Reconstructed from CNN, KOLD-TV, and Tucson.com coverage of the updated investigation
The second incident location on Campbell Avenue is on the east side of campus, suggesting the suspect was targeting the broader campus perimeter
The vehicle description evolved between reports, with the second victim describing it as a dark blue Toyota rather than a purple hatchback
UAPD increased patrols and promoted SafeRide as a safety resource
Context

Background

The University of Arizona's main campus in Tucson sits in a dense urban neighborhood where students frequently walk to off-campus housing, restaurants, and shops. The December 2023 attempted abductions generated significant concern because they involved a suspect who physically grabbed victims from behind, suggesting a level of aggression beyond typical property crime. CNN, NBC News, and local outlets KOLD-TV and Tucson.com all covered the incidents, amplifying the reach of UAPD's timely warnings far beyond the campus community. The university responded by increasing security patrols, expanding SafeRide service availability, and distributing suspect and vehicle descriptions to local businesses. The incidents also prompted University of Arizona students to express heightened concern about safety heading into the spring 2024 semester. The case is notable for several reasons: it involves a non-shooting, non-bomb-threat Clery alert; the suspect targeted women walking near but not on campus; and the alert sequence demonstrates how timely warnings evolve as additional victims come forward.
Analysis

Key Findings

Attempted abductions near campus represent a Clery-reportable crime category that is underrepresented in alert archives
The UAPD timely warning system uses the distinctive label 'Timely Information' rather than the more common 'Timely Warning'
Multiple victims coming forward after an initial alert demonstrates how timely warnings serve an investigative function by encouraging reporting
The evolving vehicle description across two victim reports illustrates the challenge of eyewitness identification under stress
Outcome
Both victims escaped without serious physical injury. The suspect was not immediately apprehended. The university boosted security patrols, increased SafeRide availability, and distributed suspect and vehicle descriptions. Local businesses near campus also went on heightened alert.
Provenance

Sources

  1. Official
    Attempted Abduction Off-Campus - Update (UAPD)
    uapd.arizona.edu
  2. News
    University of Arizona boosting security after attempted abduction (CNN)
    cnn.com
  3. News
    Possible kidnapper stalks University of Arizona (NBC News)
    nbcnews.com
  4. News
    Authorities: Man tried to abduct two different women near University of Arizona campus (KOLD-TV)
    kold.com
Tags
attempted-abductionkidnappingtimely-warningtucsonarizonaoff-campuspedestrian-safetyserial-suspectwomen-safetynon-shootingUnder Investigation
Added April 2026Updated May 2026Via ingestion