Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, has been charged with assaulting five women on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus in less than an hour, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office [1]. Akindahunsi, who is not a UCLA student, allegedly sexually assaulted two women, attempted to sexually assault a third, and physically assaulted two others, four of whom are students [1]. The charges include one felony count of attempted kidnapping to commit a forcible rape, three felony counts of assault with the intent to commit a forcible rape during the commission of a first-degree burglary, and two felony counts of assault likely to produce great bodily injury [1].
The alleged attacks began at 11:30 p.m. on May 28, when Akindahunsi reportedly attacked a woman on Bruin Walk and fled with her phone [1]. Minutes later, he followed two women into their dorm, allegedly sexually assaulting one and assaulting the other before both escaped [1]. He then attempted to kidnap another woman in a different dorm, who managed to break free, and subsequently sexually assaulted a woman in a hallway before being interrupted by a resident and fleeing the scene [1].
Akindahunsi was arrested by campus police minutes later near a parking structure after officers were flagged down by witnesses [1]. He was found in possession of zip ties, duct tape, and paracord, and multiple witnesses identified him as the attacker [1]. He is currently being held in the Los Angeles County Jail with no bail; his citizenship status is not immediately clear [1].
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the seriousness of the attacks, stating, "These disturbing attacks strike at the core of campus safety, traumatizing five victims and unsettling campus life" [1]. Hochman also noted that the swift actions of law enforcement should serve as a deterrent to others, reinforcing the commitment to campus safety [1].
CONCLUSION
The arrest and charging of Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi for multiple assaults on the UCLA campus have raised serious concerns about campus safety. Authorities have responded swiftly, emphasizing their commitment to protecting students and prosecuting offenders. The incident is likely to prompt further discussions on campus security measures.