A 29-year-old man has been charged with multiple assaults against five women on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, prompting concerns over campus safety. The individual, identified as Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, was taken into custody during the early hours of May 29, following a series of attacks that occurred over the preceding hour.
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According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Akindahunsi, who is not enrolled at UCLA and lacked permission to be on campus, allegedly targeted four students and one non-student on the evening of May 28 and into the early hours of May 29. The attacks began around 11:30 p.m. on May 28, when he allegedly assaulted a woman on Bruin Walk. Fortunately, she managed to escape and report the incident.
In a troubling escalation, Akindahunsi reportedly followed two women into their secure dormitory, where he sexually assaulted one and struck the other. Both victims successfully fled from the scene. As the incidents unfolded, he is said to have entered another dormitory, where he attempted to abduct a woman in a hallway, aiming to commit sexual assault. However, she also managed to break free and escape.
Just after midnight, another reported assault took place when Akindahunsi allegedly targeted a woman in her dormitory hallway. A nearby resident intervened, prompting him to flee once again. He was eventually apprehended by UCLA police officers near a parking structure shortly after the attacks.
During the arrest, police discovered evidence linked to the assaults, including zip ties, duct tape, and paracord. These items have raised alarm and raised questions about his intentions, as revealed in a statement from the UCLA Police Department. Reports indicate that Akindahunsi is experiencing homelessness, which has added another layer of complexity to the case.
Akindahunsi now faces several serious charges, including one felony count of attempted kidnapping with the intention of committing rape, three felony counts of assault with the intent to commit forcible rape, and two felony counts of assault likely to lead to significant bodily injury. If convicted, he faces a lengthy prison sentence ranging from 32 years to life, along with mandatory registration as a sex offender.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “These disturbing attacks strike at the core of campus safety, traumatizing five victims and unsettling campus life.” He emphasised the urgent need for safety on campus and underscored the swift actions taken by law enforcement to ensure accountability for such crimes.
Deputy District Attorney Negin Mostadim of the Sex Crimes Division is overseeing the prosecution, which remains an ongoing investigation in collaboration with the UCLA Police Department. Akindahunsi is presently being held at the Inmate Reception Center of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, with a bail amount set at a substantial £2.3 million.
Concerned members of the community are encouraged to come forward with any additional information related to the incidents, reaching out to the UCLA Police Department. They can be contacted at (310) 825-1491.
UCLA authorities are taking the matter seriously, stressing their commitment to safeguarding students and the entire campus community. After a spate of incidents that have left students on edge, officials are eager to reassure them that swift actions will be taken against perpetrators of violence.
Support services are available for those affected by similar incidents. The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or via their website at rainn.org, offering resources for victims needing assistance or support.
As the investigation progresses, both UCLA and local authorities continue to take essential steps to bolster campus safety and ensure that such incidents do not recur. The community’s response will play a crucial role in shaping the ongoing dialogue around safety in educational environments.