WESTWOOD—On May 29, the UCLA Police Department announced a suspect was arrested for assaulting several UCLA students after a series of assaults that occurred overnight at multiple locations on the UCLA campus.
The suspect has been identified as Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, non-affiliated
person experiencing homelessness.
On May 28, at approximately 11:35 p.m., officers responded to a report of a robbery
on Bruin Walk. The preliminary investigation indicates the suspect approached a student
from behind, used force to steal her cellphone, and fled the area.
While officers searched the area, UCPD received additional reports of assaults at multiple
residential facilities, including De Neve Evergreen, Dykstra Hall and Cedar Hall. The suspect is believed to have followed or approached female victims, physically assaulted them and attempted to restrain or sexually assault them during those incidents. The victims were able to fight back or witnesses intervened, allowing the victims to get away and notify police.
At approximately 12:05 a.m., UCPD received a report of an ongoing assault at Cedar Hall. A witness heard the victim calling for help, intervened and pursued the suspect as he fled the building.
Officers searching the area were flagged down by the witness and located the suspect near
Parking Structure 8. Officers detained Akindahunsi without incident.
During the investigation, multiple victims and witnesses positively identified Akindahunsi
as the suspect. Officers recovered evidence believed to be associated with the
incidents, including zip ties, duct tape and paracord.
Akindahunsi was booked for robbery, attempted kidnapping, assault with intent to commit
a sex offense and sexual battery. He is being held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
Department Inmate Reception Center. Bail was set at $2.3 million.
“I commend our officers for their quick response and excellent work in locating and
arresting the suspect,” said UCLA Chief of Police Craig Valenzuela. “I am also grateful to
the victims and witnesses who reported what occurred and assisted responding officers. Incidents like these are deeply concerning, and the safety and security of our campus
community remains our highest priority. Our officers will continue working to help ensure UCLA remains a safe place to live, learn, work and visit.”
The UCLA Police will maintain increased patrols in and around the affected
residential areas out of an abundance of caution. Detectives are expected to present the case to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration this week.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with details about the incidents should contact the UCLA Police Department at (310) 825-1491.
By Danny Jones