GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Police in Gainesville have released surveillance video of a man they said broke into the home of two University of Florida students early the morning of April 15 and sexually assaulted a woman at gunpoint.
Police said the armed occupied residential burglary and sexual battery happened at 4 a.m. in the 400 block of Southwest 10th Street, just two blocks east of campus.
Police said a man armed with a handgun entered through an unlocked rear door of the home. Once inside, he sexually assaulted the woman at gunpoint, then took two MacBook Pro laptops, an iPhone and other personal items before fleeing the scene, police said.
Police extensively searched the area, but were not able to find the man.
A nearby resident recognized the suspect description and saw the possible suspect walking west on Southwest Seventh Avenue, police said.
He is described as a black man, about 6 feet tall, with a thin build and wearing a grey sweatshirt and black "skinny" jeans. He was also wearing black wrap-around sunglasses. Police said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
Channel 4 traveled to Gainesville on Thursday to learn more details about the attack. Police are still looking for a man they say, sexually assaulted and robbed a student.
"I got friends who live around this area, you'd hate for something like that to happen with someone you know, even someone you don't know," said UF student Will Eaton.
Gainesville police said this is the third sexual assault this year and they've decided to add extra patrols in the area. Police are urging students to walk in well-lit areas and in groups. They are also reminding students to keep their doors locked.
"Regardless of whether the door was unlocked, she was violated completely," said UF student Mary-Anne Primack.
"I know there are a lot of parents in your viewing area, that are also concerned," said Gainesville Police PIO, Ben Tobias. "We are also parents, we are concerned about this case as well. We have taken every precaution that we can to identify this person."
Police said residents should call 911 immediately to report suspicious activity, and remember to keep all doors and windows of their home locked at all times.
If you have any information that can help police identify the man, call Gainesville Police Department detectives at 352-393-7670, make an anonymous tip by texting keyword "GPDFL" plus the tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or call the anonymous tip line at 352-393-7700.