SUSPECT: Known Hispanic male

WEAPONS: None

SUSPECT VEHICLE: None

SYNOPSIS: On Monday, December 10, 2007, the University of Houston Department of Public Safety received a report of a sexual assault over the weekend of November 30, 2007 in one of the residential life complexes. The circumstances of the assault suggest the involvement of a date rape drug.

In this case the victim reported symptoms consistent with the use of date rape drugs: a rapid onset of intoxication out of proportion to what they may have had to drink; and reported memory loss.

Although no confirmed cases have previously been reported on-campus, the phenomenon of drugs being used to facilitate sexual assault has been widely reported across the country. The UHDPS urges the University of Houston Community to be alert to the possibility and take precautions to protect themselves. Date rape drugs, commonly Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine, can be placed in an unsuspecting person's drink. Rapid and sever intoxication follows, along with dramatically reduced inhibitions and memory loss. In this condition, anyone can be extremely vulnerable to sexual assault.

SAFETY TIPS:

Confrontations can occur without provocation, through no fault of your own.  When such confrontations do occur, there are some actions you can take:

• BE ALERT!!
• Be cautious when approached by an unknown person on the street, even the nicest person can have ill intent.
• Remain as calm as possible.Your own initiative and clear thinking are your best defenses.
• The University has more than 70 Emergency call boxes placed strategically around campus, use them! The call goes directly to the UHDPS Dispatch Center.
• Report the incident. Call the police immediately and report what has happened. Call (713) 743-3333 or 911.
• Do not walk alone, if at all possible walk in groups.
• Try to notice details. This can allow you to provide the police with detailed physical and clothing descriptions of the person(s) involved.
• If a vehicle is involved, try to note the vehicle's license plate number or the vehicle's manufacturer, model and color or any other identifying features.

Updates to this alert and past alerts will be posted at https://www.piersystem.com/go/doctype/1093/21522/.

You may contact the University of Houston Department of Public Safety at police@uh.edu  

All faculty, staff and students are encouraged to be alert and to be cautious of their surroundings on and away from campus.

In any emergency situation, or if you see suspicious activity, call 9-1-1. For more information on staying safe and your role in preventing crime, please visit the website of the University of Houston Department of Public Safety at www.uh.edu/police.

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