Bad start to the new year for L.A.'s big universities. While USC announced it will close off its campus to outsiders overnight, UCLA is grappling with a pair of scary crime reports.

Early Monday someone tried to sexually assault a female student. And not long before that, a student was robbed.

The attempted assault happened …

… between 1:15 and 1:30 a.m. yesterday between Parking Structure 6 and the Engineering 4 building, according to a UCLA police statement.

The suspect exited the parking structure and approached the victim from the rear. He ran after the victim, placed her in a bear hug and told her he intended to sexually assault her. The suspect attempted to take the victim to the ground but she was able to break free from his grasp and flee from the location. The suspect fled …

The bad guy was described as a 30-year-old white or light-skinned Asian about 5 feet, 11 inches, thin, with short black hair, a gray hoodie and blue jeans.

If you think you know who it is, cops would love to hear from you: 310-794-5824.

Credit: UCLA

Credit: UCLA

The campus had a small spate of similar assault attempts early last year, but the suspect descriptions have been too disparate seem to suggest that a serial attacker is on the loose.

The robbery was reported at 12:05 a.m. on Veteran Avenue north of Gayley Avenue as the victim walked northbound, the UCLA department states:


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The suspect approached the victim from the rear, placed the handgun in his back and demanded his property. The suspect threatened to shoot the victim if he failed to comply. In fear for his safety, the victim handed the suspect his wallet and cell phone. The suspect fled on foot …

The alleged robber was described as a 20-year-old African American, 5 feet, 9 inches, 170 pounds, with a light beard, a dark beanie, a dark “puffy” jacket and dark pants. The gun was silver, cops said.

Be safe.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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