
The University of New Mexico
NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Lt. Pat Davis 277-9507
Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
Sept. 13, 2007
UNMPD and APD Apprehend Suspect in Recent Assaults on UNM Students
The Albuquerque Police Department received a 911 call at about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday from a UNM student who had been assaulted off campus. APD reported the call to UNM police, per request, in a joint effort to catch the individual responsible for recent assaults on UNM international students.
UNM officers quickly responded and located the person fitting the description of the assailant on the south side of Central Ave. near Vassar Dr., SE. The caller, who was with two other individuals, followed the suspect and were able to identify him as the assailant.
Officers interviewed the suspect, a 34-year-old male, and determined he was in need of mental health care and took him to the UNM Mental Health Center on a 72-hour hold.
UNM Police Lt. Pat Davis said that UNM police contacted both APD and the District Attorney’s office to pursue the investigation and UNM Police are working closely with APD to pursue charges against the suspect.
“The students did exactly as we asked them to do – travel in groups and call 911 if assaulted,” Davis said. He also said that this was an example of good cooperation between various law enforcement agencies and the community.
UNM reiterates its strong stance against hate crimes, and recognizes the impact these incidents can have on the campus community.
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