University Police Investigate a Robbery- 08/31/2015

• September 1st, 2015
• in Uncategorized

The University Police are investigating the report of a robbery that was reported to police on August 31, 2015 at approximately 10:55 pm in the 1100 block of Jackson Avenue.  The victim reported that at approximately 9:45 pm, while entering his vehicle, two individuals approached him from behind in the parking lot, pointed a weapon in his back and demanded his money. The victim gave the individuals his money and they fled the area southbound on foot. No injuries were reported.

The victim described both suspects as follows:

Male

African American

Approximate height between 5’10” – 6’01”

Approximate weight between 175 – 200 lbs.

Both wearing dark short sleeve shirts, dark pants, and ski masks

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

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

Police Investigate Off-Campus Robbery- 8/29/2015

• August 29th, 2015
• in Uncategorized

University Police Investigate Robbery – 4/26/2015

• April 26th, 2015
• in Uncategorized

The University Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred at the Riverside substation. On 04-26-2015 at approximately 3:05 a.m., two individuals reported that they were the victims of a robbery. The victims reported they were walking north on Campus Drive when a vehicle approached them from southbound. The vehicle stopped and a male subject exited the vehicle. At that time, the male produced a handgun and demanded money from the victim’s pockets. The victims gave him cash and property and fled the area driving south on Campus Drive. The victims were not injured.  

The suspect is described as follows:

Black Male
Dark skin
Approximately 5’8″ – 5’11″
Weighing 200-215 lbs
Wearing black tee-shirt, and dark colored pants
Mid-20’s in age

 
Vehicle:
Dark colored (possibly maroon) 2000’s model SUV

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.

• April 7th, 2015
• in Uncategorized

UPDATE ADVISORY

**Update**

April 7, 2015

UAPD investigators conducting the follow-up investigation in this case have identified the individuals involved and have developed probable cause to charge two suspects with Robbery II.

Brandon Malik Gardner, a 19 yr. old male, was arrested on 04-01-15 and placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where he was held on an $8,000 bond.

Marquez Jemone Hughes, a 21 yr. old male, was arrested on 04-07-15 and placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail, where he was held on a $30,000 bond.

March 29, 2015

UNIVERSITY POLICE INVESTIGATE ROBBERY

The University Police Department is investigating a robbery that occurred in the Paty parking lot on campus. On 03-29-2015 at approximately 8:08 p.m., an individual reported that he was the victim of a robbery. The victim reported that he was talking on his cell phone while walking to his vehicle when he was approached by two males, one of whom asked to use the victim’s phone. The victim handed the first male his phone, who in turn handed the phone to the second male who fled the area on foot toward Ferguson Center. The victim chased after the second male but was struck from behind by the first male. That suspect then entered a red 2000’s model four-door vehicle, which left the area on 2nd Street. The victim sustained only minor injuries.

The suspects are described as follows:

Suspect 1:

Black Male

Approximately 6’2″ – 6’4″

240 lbs

Short hairstyle

Wearing blue basketball shorts, white tee shirt

Approximately 18-24 years old

Suspect 2:

Black Male

5’10”- 6’0″

180 lbs,

Short hairstyle

Wearing grey tank top, black shorts

Approximately 18-24 years old.

He may have had a tattoo on his chest

Possible Suspect 3:

Black Male

5’8″-5’10”

160 lbs,

Longer curly hairstyle,

Wearing white tee shirt with red writing, and basketball shorts

Vehicle:

Red four-door 2000’s model car occupied by a black female

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.