MU police officer recognizes suspect in campus assault, takes him in for questioning

UPDATE 2/21, 10:45 a.m.: MUPD has confirmed they did not arrest the suspect, but identified and removed him from campus.

UPDATE 2/20, 3:20 p.m.: The suspect in three suspicious incidents and one alleged assault on the University of Missouri campus has been identified by an MUPD officer.

According to police, the officer saw the suspect walking on campus and transported him for further investigation.

UPDATE 2/20, 11:10 p.m.: Three other incidents have been reported involving a man MUPD is looking for in connection with Sunday’s reported assault.

Two other incidents happened Sunday, but neither are considered crimes. The first was at 2:30 p.m. and the second at 7:30 p.m. and both happened near Virginia Avenue Garage.

Police said the same suspect in both instances talked to the women, asked to walk with them and then asked for a hug. No assaults occurred.

The third incident happened Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. near Hamilton Way and Hitt Street. The same man talked to a woman and asked to walk her home.

The man introduced himself by name but used a different name each time.

In addition to being white, in his late 20s or early 30s and wearing a black shirt and dark pants, the man has short light brown or blonde hair that looks shaved, is about 5’8″-5’10”, has gaps between his front teeth, ears that stick out, is clean shaven and has a slight southern accent.

Again, police asked that anyone with information is asked to call Detective Easley at 573-884-3721.

UPDATE 2/20: MUPD has released two pictures of a man they say they’re looking for in connection with a reported assault on campus Sunday.

MUPD tweeted the pictures out early Monday morning. They’re asking for help in identifying the man.

Anyone who might know who this man is is asked to call Detective Easley at 573-884-3721.

ORIGINAL: The University of Missouri Police Department is investigating an assault that reportedly happened near the Virginia Avenue Housing Complex Sunday afternoon.

Police said they were notified of the assault around 2:30 p.m.

According to an email from MUPD that was sent to students around 9 p.m., the suspect is described as a white man in his late 20s to early 30s. He was wearing a black shirt with dark pants.

Police said the suspect approached a female and tried to talk to her. He then reportedly continued to follow her, hug her, kiss her on the neck and tried to kiss her on the lips.

The victim was able to get away unharmed.

In the email, MUPD said officers were investigating another similar incident that possibly happened near the Virginia Avenue Garage around the same time. Investigators were still working to get more information on the second incident Sunday night.

Anyone with information is asked to call the MU Police Department at 573-882-7201.