Campus Alert Archive
UArizona

Two attempted abductions reported near campus; security patrols increased

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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
—
Killed
—
Injured
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Institution
University of Arizona
Public R1 · AZ
All UArizona cases →
~50,000 studentsUAlert
Official alert policy
Read when and how UArizona says it will use UAlert: summarized, quoted, and analyzed.
Documented Timeline

Alert Sequence

2 messages in sequence · 2 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 verbatim3095 chars
Please note this message may contain information that some may find upsetting. University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert (Clery Timely Warning) Type of Offense: Attempted Abduction Off-Campus Today’s Date: December 8th, 2023 Date and Time of Occurrence: December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time) Location: Off Campus – 8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719 Reporting Agency: Tucson Police Department / CASE # P2312070227 Synopsis of Crime or Offense: 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. The car stopped, and an unknown male grabbed the victim from behind. The victim dropped to the ground and started screaming. The suspect released the victim and ran to his vehicle before driving away. The victim then ran home to her off-campus residence where she called 9-1-1. Injuries: There were no reported injuries. Suspect Description: The victim described the suspect as an adult male, heavyset build, 5’10”-5’11” wearing an orange fleece hoodie. Vehicle: dark blue/purple four-door vehicle (possibly a Toyota Prius) with tinted windows and dents along the front. Status: Tucson Police Department is the primary investigating agency, and the University of Arizona Police Department will assist in this investigation. 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). You can remain anonymous. UAPD would like to remind the campus community about the following safety tips: Maintain awareness of your surroundings Avoid walking alone especially during dark hours Utilize options for transportation such as ASUA Safe Ride, Uber, Lyft, Taxi services For additional safety tips please visit uapd.arizona.edu and safety.arizona.edu Visit the UAPD Victim Resources page to learn more about available support and resources. About this notice: University of Arizona Clery Timely Warnings are released by the University of Arizona Police Department in compliance with federal law when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety and allow campus community members to take precautions. The reported information may not have been investigated or confirmed at the time of the issuance of the warning. Physical descriptions of a suspect, including race, are included in timely warnings only when they provide several details that might help distinguish the suspect’s appearance from the general population. A Timely Warning is not the same as a UAlert. A UAlert is an emergency notification for situations involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees. Emergency: 911 • Non-Emergency: 520-621-8273 (UAPD) • Tips: 520-88-CRIME (2-7463) • UAPD.arizona.edu
Verify this quote
UAPD Clery Timely Warning — Attempted Abduction Off-Campusuapd.arizona.edufind archived copies
Corrected condensed paraphrase to full UAPD timely-information page body.
UPDATEEmail
Verified verbatim1126 chars
The following is updated information as shared by the Tucson Police Department: After releasing details of the attempted abduction from last night, a second victim contacted police and reported a similar incident that happened on Wednesday. Detectives from the Tucson Police Department’s Adult Sexual Assault Unit contacted the victim and learned that at approximately 11:00 a.m., the second victim was followed by the suspect near N. Campbell Ave. and E. 3rd Street. The victim was able to provide investigators with an updated description of the suspect and the vehicle he was driving. Investigators from TPD and the University of Arizona Police Department are actively pursuing leads in the case and are urging the public to report any suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately. The updated suspect and vehicle description is listed below. Updated Suspect Description - Possible Hispanic male with a dark complexion -5’10” – 6’ tall, medium to heavyset build with close buzz cut hair -Vehicle: dark purplish four-door hatchback or crossover vehicle with a dented front bumper, tinted windows, and no front license plate
Verify this quote
UAPD Clery Timely Warning page — Attempted Abduction Off-Campus Update (second victim)uapd.arizona.edufind archived copies
Recovered full update block from official uapd.arizona.edu timely-information page (second-victim details + updated suspect/vehicle description).
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.

Please note this message may contain information that some may find upsetting. University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert (Clery Timely Warning) Type of Offense: Attempted Abduction Off-Campus Today’s Date: December 8th, 2023 Date and Time of Occurrence: December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time) Location: Off Campus – 8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719 Reporting Agency: Tucson Police Department / CASE # P2312070227 Synopsis of Crime or Offense: 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. The car stopped, and an unknown male grabbed the victim from behind. The victim dropped to the ground and started screaming. The suspect released the victim and ran to his vehicle before driving away. The victim then ran home to her off-campus residence where she called 9-1-1. Injuries: There were no reported injuries. Suspect Description: The victim described the suspect as an adult male, heavyset build, 5’10”-5’11” wearing an orange fleece hoodie. Vehicle: dark blue/purple four-door vehicle (possibly a Toyota Prius) with tinted windows and dents along the front. Status: Tucson Police Department is the primary investigating agency, and the University of Arizona Police Department will assist in this investigation. 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). You can remain anonymous. UAPD would like to remind the campus community about the following safety tips: Maintain awareness of your surroundings Avoid walking alone especially during dark hours Utilize options for transportation such as ASUA Safe Ride, Uber, Lyft, Taxi services For additional safety tips please visit uapd.arizona.edu and safety.arizona.edu Visit the UAPD Victim Resources page to learn more about available support and resources. About this notice: University of Arizona Clery Timely Warnings are released by the University of Arizona Police Department in compliance with federal law when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety and allow campus community members to take precautions. The reported information may not have been investigated or confirmed at the time of the issuance of the warning. Physical descriptions of a suspect, including race, are included in timely warnings only when they provide several details that might help distinguish the suspect’s appearance from the general population. A Timely Warning is not the same as a UAlert. A UAlert is an emergency notification for situations involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or employees. Emergency: 911 • Non-Emergency: 520-621-8273 (UAPD) • Tips: 520-88-CRIME (2-7463) • UAPD.arizona.edu

  • Sourcepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous: 'University of Arizona Police Department' is clearly named as the issuing agency of this Clery Timely Warning.

    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 University of Arizona Police Department.
    2. present: 'University of Arizona Police Department' issues the Clery Timely Warning
    3. present: Issued by University of Arizona Police Department as a Clery Timely Warning.
    4. present: 'University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert' clearly identifies the issuing agency.
    5. present: Issued by University of Arizona Police Department.
    6. present: Identifies University of Arizona Police Department.
    7. present: University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert clearly identifies issuer.
    8. present: Identifies 'University of Arizona Police Department' as issuing the Timely Warning.
    9. present: Identified as University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert.
    10. present: 'University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert' names the agency.
    11. present: Issued by University of Arizona Police Department (UAPD).
    12. present: 'University of Arizona Police Department' issues the Clery Timely Warning.
    13. present: 'University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert' names issuing agency.
    14. present: Issued by University of Arizona Police Department, named explicitly.
    15. present: Identifies University of Arizona Police Department as issuer of this Clery timely warning.
    16. present: Issued by 'University of Arizona Police Department', a Clery Timely Warning.
    17. present: University of Arizona Police Department Clery Timely Warning names the issuing agency.
    18. present: Signed by University of Arizona Police Department as issuing agency.
    19. present: Issued by 'University of Arizona Police Department' as Clery Timely Warning.
    20. present: 'University of Arizona Police Department Crime Alert' identifies issuing agency.
    21. present: Issued by 'University of Arizona Police Department' Clery Timely Warning.
    22. present: Identifies 'University of Arizona Police Department' and TPD as reporting agency
    23. present: Issued by 'University of Arizona Police Department' Clery Timely Warning.
    24. present: Issued by 'University of Arizona Police Department' as a Clery Timely Warning.
    25. present: Issued by 'University of Arizona Police Department' Clery Timely Warning.
  • Hazardpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous: 'Attempted Abduction' (Off-Campus) is explicitly named as the offense type.

    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 'Attempted Abduction'.
    2. present: 'Attempted Abduction' named as offense type
    3. present: States 'Attempted Abduction' as the offense type.
    4. present: 'Attempted Abduction' names the specific offense type.
    5. present: Names 'Attempted Abduction'.
    6. present: Names 'Attempted Abduction'.
    7. present: 'Attempted Abduction' names specific offense.
    8. present: States 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
    9. present: States 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus' as the offense type.
    10. present: 'Attempted Abduction' names the offense.
    11. present: Names 'Attempted Abduction' as the offense.
    12. present: 'Attempted Abduction' specifically named as offense type.
    13. present: 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus' names the offense.
    14. present: States 'Attempted Abduction' as the offense type.
    15. present: States offense type 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
    16. present: States offense type 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
    17. present: States 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
    18. present: States offense type 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
    19. present: States 'Attempted Abduction' with described assault.
    20. present: 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus' names specific offense.
    21. present: Names offense 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
    22. present: States 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'
    23. present: Type of offense listed as 'Attempted Abduction'.
    24. present: States 'Attempted Abduction' offense type.
    25. present: States 'Attempted Abduction Off-Campus'.
  • Locationpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous: the specific intersection '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719' is given.

    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: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    2. present: '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona' named
    3. present: Gives 8th Street / Mountain Avenue, off campus location.
    4. present: '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona' specified.
    5. present: Names 8th Street/Mountain Avenue, Tucson.
    6. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue' location.
    7. present: '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona' given.
    8. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    9. present: Gives 8th Street/Mountain Avenue, Tucson, Arizona.
    10. present: '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona'.
    11. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson' as location.
    12. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719.'
    13. present: '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    14. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue' location.
    15. present: Gives location '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona'.
    16. present: Gives location '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona'.
    17. present: 8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson given.
    18. present: Gives location '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    19. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    20. present: '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona' gives specific location.
    21. present: Gives location '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    22. present: Names '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona'
    23. present: Gives 'Off Campus - 8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona'.
    24. present: Gives '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
    25. present: Names '8th Street / Mountain Avenue, Tucson Arizona 85719'.
  • Guidancepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous: the message lists concrete safety tips such as avoiding walking alone and using safe-ride options, functioning as protective-action guidance.

    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 safety tips like avoid walking alone and use safe ride options.
    2. present: safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and utilize safe rides
    3. present: Lists safety tips like avoid walking alone and use Safe Ride.
    4. present: Safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'Utilize options for transportation' are protective actions.
    5. present: Provides safety tips like avoiding walking alone and using safe rides.
    6. present: Provides safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and using safe ride options.
    7. present: Safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'utilize Safe Ride' are protective actions.
    8. present: Lists safety tips like avoid walking alone and use safe ride options.
    9. present: Provides safety tips like avoiding walking alone and using safe ride options.
    10. present: Safety tips: avoid walking alone, use safe ride options.
    11. present: Safety tips include avoiding walking alone and using safe ride options.
    12. present: Safety tips instruct to 'Avoid walking alone' and 'Utilize options for transportation.'
    13. present: Lists safety tips: 'Avoid walking alone especially during dark hours.'
    14. present: Lists safety tips like avoiding walking alone and using safe ride options.
    15. present: Provides safety tips like avoiding walking alone and using safe ride options.
    16. present: Lists safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'utilize options for transportation'.
    17. present: Provides safety tips like avoid walking alone, use safe rides.
    18. present: Provides safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'call 9-1-1'.
    19. present: Provides safety tips: 'Maintain awareness', 'Avoid walking alone', use safe ride options.
    20. present: Safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'Utilize options for transportation' give protective action.
    21. present: Lists safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'Utilize options for transportation'.
    22. present: Provides safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and utilize safe ride options
    23. present: Provides safety tips like avoid walking alone and use safe ride options.
    24. present: Lists safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'Utilize options for transportation'.
    25. present: Provides safety tips like 'Avoid walking alone' and 'Utilize options for transportation'.
  • Timepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous: a specific date and approximate time, 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM,' is given for the occurrence.

    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 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    2. present: 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM' occurrence time given
    3. present: Gives December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM occurrence time.
    4. present: 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM' occurrence time given.
    5. present: States December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM approximate time.
    6. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM'.
    7. present: 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)' given.
    8. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    9. present: States 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    10. present: Gives date/time 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM'.
    11. present: Gives December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM as occurrence time.
    12. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time).'
    13. present: 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    14. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    15. present: Gives date and time 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM'.
    16. present: Gives date/time 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM'.
    17. present: Gives date/time of occurrence December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM.
    18. present: Gives date and time 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    19. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    20. present: 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM' gives specific date/time.
    21. present: Gives date/time 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM'.
    22. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'
    23. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    24. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
    25. present: Gives 'December 7, 2023, 8:00 PM (approximate time)'.
  • Impactabsent0/25

    Final assessment

    Unanimous: the message states 'no reported injuries,' which negates rather than conveys any stated harm or severity.

    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: States 'There were no reported injuries', no potential consequence conveyed.
    2. absent: 'no reported injuries' stated, no severity/consequence conveyed
    3. absent: States 'no reported injuries', no severity or potential harm conveyed.
    4. absent: States 'no reported injuries', no stated potential harm or severity.
    5. absent: States 'no reported injuries' rather than potential harm.
    6. absent: States 'no reported injuries', not a stated severity or potential harm.
    7. absent: States no injuries occurred, no stated potential severity.
    8. absent: Describes what happened but no explicit statement of severity or potential harm.
    9. absent: States 'no reported injuries', not conveying harm or severity.
    10. absent: States 'no reported injuries', no stated potential harm/severity.
    11. absent: States 'no reported injuries,' conveying no consequence or severity.
    12. absent: Describes what happened but no explicit statement of danger or severity beyond the event itself.
    13. absent: States 'no reported injuries', not a stated potential harm/severity.
    14. absent: States 'no reported injuries', not a statement of potential danger.
    15. absent: States no reported injuries; no severity/consequence conveyed for readers.
    16. absent: Notes 'no reported injuries', no severity/consequence statement.
    17. absent: 'No reported injuries' actually negates impact, no severity stated.
    18. absent: States no injuries reported; no consequence severity conveyed.
    19. absent: States 'no reported injuries', not conveying potential harm severity.
    20. absent: 'No reported injuries' stated, no severity or consequence conveyed for recipients.
    21. absent: States 'no reported injuries', no severity of ongoing risk conveyed.
    22. absent: Describes the event but no statement of potential harm or severity beyond the incident itself
    23. absent: States 'no reported injuries', no stated potential severity of future risk.
    24. absent: Notes 'no reported injuries', no statement of potential harm/severity.
    25. absent: States 'no reported injuries', not a stated risk of harm.

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

About this analysis
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

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
    Attempted Abduction Off-Campus - Update (UAPD)
    uapd.arizona.edu
    archived copy
  2. News
    University of Arizona boosting security after attempted abduction (CNN)
    cnn.com
    archived copy
  3. News
    Possible kidnapper stalks University of Arizona (NBC News)
    nbcnews.com
    archived copy
  4. News
    Authorities: Man tried to abduct two different women near University of Arizona campus (KOLD-TV)
    kold.com
    archived copy
Cite this case

Campus Alert Archive. "University of Arizona: Two attempted abductions reported near campus; security patrols increased." Incident of December 7, 2023. Added April 2026; last updated July 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/university-of-arizona-attempted-abduction-2023-12-07/

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

Tags
attempted-abductionkidnappingtimely-warningtucsonarizonaoff-campuspedestrian-safetyserial-suspectwomen-safetynon-shootingUnder Investigation
Added April 2026Updated July 2026Via ingestion