UCLA Police Arrest Homeless Man for Campus Attacks: Safety Measures and Community Response
A homeless man, Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, was arrested by UCLA officers for attacking multiple students on campus, including in dormitories. The UCLA Police Department charged him with robbery, attempted kidnapping, assault with intent to commit a sex offense, and sexual battery, setting his bail at $2.3 million. UCLA Chief of Police Craig Valenzuela emphasized the campus community's safety as a top priority.
The alleged crime spree began when Akindahunsi stole a student's cellphone on Bruin Walk at 11:35 p.m. UCPD received reports of assaults at various residential facilities, such as De Neve Evergreen, Dykstra Hall, and Cedar Hall. Akindahunsi targeted female victims, attempting to restrain or sexually assault them. Fortunately, victims fought back or were aided by witnesses.
Akindahunsi's spree ended around 12:05 a.m. after an assault at Cedar Hall, where a witness intervened and chased him out. The witness assisted officers in locating Akindahunsi near Parking Structure 8, where zip ties, duct tape, and paracord were found in his possession. UCPD announced increased campus patrols and encouraged reporting suspicious activity to UCPD at (310) 825-1491.
UCPD offers the Community Service Officer (CSO) Evening Escort Program, providing free walking escorts from campus to nearby areas and Westwood Village from dusk until 1 a.m. every day of the year. The program aims to enhance safety for students and community members.