Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, was charged with assaulting five women at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in less than an hour, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The incidents occurred between 11:30 p.m. on May 28 and shortly after midnight, with Akindahunsi accused of sexually assaulting two women and attempting to sexually assault a third at UCLA’s Westwood campus. Two additional women were physically assaulted during the spree [1].
Akindahunsi was found in possession of zip ties, duct tape, and a paracord when apprehended by university police near a campus parking structure. Four of the victims were students, and Akindahunsi was described as homeless, not a student, and without permission to be on campus [1]. He faces one count of attempted kidnapping to commit a forcible rape, three counts of assault with the attempt 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 sequence of assaults began with a robbery on the main pedestrian walkway, followed by sexual and physical assaults in dormitories. In one instance, a woman managed to break free from an attempted kidnapping, and in another, a nearby resident intervened, causing the suspect to flee. Multiple accusers and witnesses identified Akindahunsi as the perpetrator [1].
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the importance of campus safety, stating, "Our university campuses need to be safe and protected spaces for our students, faculty, staff and community — and we will do everything in our power to ensure that this happens" [1]. Akindahunsi is being held without bail, and court records did not list an attorney for him [1].
CONCLUSION
The charges against Olumuyiwa Akindahunsi for multiple assaults at UCLA have raised significant concerns about campus safety. Authorities have responded swiftly, and the suspect is being held without bail as the investigation continues. The incident underscores the university and law enforcement's commitment to protecting the campus community.