UW students on edge after series of break-ins, sexual assaults




Police have increased patrols around campus as detectives investigate a series of strange break-ins at rooming houses north of campus.

In three cases, police said, women have reported waking up to find a man sexually assaulting them, and other residents have seen or heard a man walking through their homes between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.



A police sketch artist worked with victims to put together images of their assailant, described as a Hispanic man in his late 20s, 5-foot-7, with a medium build, dark hair and a mustache.

Because the attacks all took place late at night, detectives say it’s possible the sketches may all be of the same suspect.

Detectives said they believe the suspect or suspects may targeting rooming houses north of UW’s campus—between 15th and 20th Avenue NE, and the 4500 block to 5200 blocks—where residents may be accustomed to strangers coming and going.

Police are working with University of Washington police and have focused patrols in the area of the break-ins, and are asking anyone with information about these incidents to call (206) 684-5575.