The suspects are described as a white male and a black male, both in their early 20s, both about 5’10” to 6’ tall and wearing dark shirts and blue jeans. The white male was wearing white athletic shoes.
The alleged attack occurred near the Granite Avenue gate into the Arcata Community Forest, but police said there are no indications the suspects were campers. They may have been students, but the survivor did not recognize them.
The survivor was walking alone back to her Creekview Hill Residence Hall at about 1:15 a.m. after attending a social gathering at a Canyon Residence Hall. As she paused at the base of Creekview Hill, she was grabbed suddenly by the two male suspects. One held her, one allegedly groped her through her clothing, which constitutes misdemeanor sexual battery. No weapons were brandished or seen.
University Police Chief Thomas Dewey said his department has made the assault its top investigative priority and is continuing to seek information to help identify and prosecute the suspects.
“Although the crime itself was over in seconds, the impact on the survivor and other students is incalculable,” Dewey said. “It is an extremely important crime to solve.”
A “Crime Alert” flyer is being posted around the campus, providing safety tips to reduce personal risk. All members of the campus community, male and female, are advised to walk with a friend or in groups at night. Anyone who observes suspicious behavior should dial UPD at 707/826-5555 immediately. Blue light phones are located at various locations around campus.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to call or email UPD at 707/826-5555 and hsupd@humboldt.edu. Anonymous information is accepted.