University Police Investigate a Sexual Assault- 08/30/2015-UPDATE
- August 30th, 2015
- in Uncategorized
**UPDATE**
09/02/2014
After the arrest of Joseph Christopher Spota for Kidnapping I and Rape I, UAPD is asking for help in gathering more information. Investigators believe the vehicle that the suspect was driving frequented the Strip and the downtown area, and believe the suspect may have come in contact with other women. Investigators are asking anyone who may have had contact with the driver of a white Toyota FJ Cruiser to contact The University of Alabama Police Department at (205) 348-5454.
**UPDATE**
09/01/2015
During the course of this investigation numerous leads on a possible suspect vehicle were provided. Investigators have identified and examined numerous vehicles that match the description given, and earlier today identified the vehicle used. A suspect has been identified, located, and interviewed. Subsequently on 09-01-2015 at approximately 4:20 pm, Joseph Christopher Spota, 29 yr. old male was charged with Kidnapping I, and Rape I. He was placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail with a $60,000.00 bond.
Below is the original Campus Advisory:
On 8/30/2015 at approximately 1:47 pm a sexual assault was reported to the University Police. The victim, a UA student, reported the assault occurred on 08/30/2015 at approximately 3:15 am in the 800 Block of Magnolia Drive. The victim stated she was walking in the area of The Strip when she was approached by an unknown male, in a white vehicle, who stated he was part of a church organization providing sober rides for people that were in need of one. The victim accepted the ride from the unknown male and upon arrival at her destination the unknown male restricted her from exiting the vehicle. The unknown male then proceeded to commit a forcible sexual act. The victim was able to force the suspect to stop and she was able to exit the vehicle and flee the scene. The suspect is described as follows:
Suspect:
- White Male
- Approximately 6’00’’ Tall
- Approximately 185 lbs.
- Short Brown Hair
- Brown Eyes
- Early 20’s
- Average Build
Suspect’s Vehicle:
- Color: White
- Make: Unknown
- Model: Truck/SUV style
- Year: 2008-2015
Anyone who has any information about this occurrence is asked to call University Police at 348-5454 or Crime Stoppers at 752-7867(STOP). Crime prevention information is published in UAPD’s Safer Living Guide, which is available online here.
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ASSISTANT CHIEF OF POLICE