SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Santa Cruz Police are investigating a reported rape that occurred Sunday in broad daylight shortly after noon on the campus of UC Santa Cruz.
Police say the suspect is described as a white man in his 30's, about 200 pounds, 5'10, with a dark mustache and beard. A police sketch was released late Monday. Officers said the suspect also has a tattoo on his upper right shoulder.
The victim was on campus visiting and is not a UCSC student. Authorities said the victim was released from the hospital, but did suffer bruising and head trauma.
The reported crime is sparking concern among students. UC Santa Cruz senior Mae Wilson said she walks the trails on campus everyday. Walking along those wooded paths is what she loves the most about the school.
"We should be able to walk alone on this campus," said Wilson.
However, Mae along with every other UCSC student got an alert Sunday afternoon that shocked the campus. Campus Police say a young woman was walking alone, along a path the between the Upper Quarry Amphitheater and the Classroom Unit buildings, which is close to the student bookstore. Police said that is when a man attacked her and then raped her.
"Whew. I hope it doesn't happen again," said Wilson.
It is a reaction that has resonated through the campus.
"That's really scary, because I use this path like every other day," said Madeline Turner, UCSC student.
This is the second attack linked to UCSC in one week. A student was shot during a robbery while waiting for a bus off campus on Natural Bridges Road last week, and that victim is expected to be okay.
