UW Police looking for man who impersonated security guard, told 2 female students to leave dorm rooms

SEATTLE -- A man apparently impersonated a security guard at the University of Washington and told two women to leave their dorm rooms, but they became concerned about their safety and got away from him, UW Police said Monday night.

At about 4:35 a.m. Monday, University Police were dispatched to a residence hall on west campus where a student stated that while she was asleep in her room, she was awakened by an unknown man standing in her room.

"The suspect told her he was with security and that she needed to come with him. The victim left her room with the suspect and went to a public area in the residence hall, the victim became afraid and left," the UW Police said on its website.

"The suspect followed her back to her room and re-entered the victim’s room to wake the victim’s roommate, telling virtually the same story. She left with him believing he was with security.  They walked onto the main campus. The victim became concerned for her safety, ran and sought safety from an employee that was working on campus."

The staff member drove the victim to UWPD.  Police conducted a check of the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a dark-complexioned male, approximately 5’8” to 5’10” tall, approximately 185 pounds, clean shaven, in his late 20s to early 30s. He wore a light-colored stocking cap, light-colored scarf, beige jacket and beige pants. He was described as having an African accent.

A photograph of the suspect was obtained by UWPD detectives.

If you have any additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at (206) 685-UWPD (8973).