UCLA police arrest man in series of campus assaults; zip ties, rope seized

UCLA campus police arrested a 29-year-old man Friday morning following a series of overnight assaults targeting female students across campus, seizing zip ties, duct tape and rope from the suspect.

The arrest followed a rapid series of reported attacks across multiple campus locations within roughly 90 minutes late Thursday into early Friday, prompting questions about nighttime safety for students at large urban universities in Southern California.

Officers first received a robbery report at 11:35 p.m. Thursday on Bruin Walk, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Additional assault reports quickly followed from several residential facilities on campus, where police say the suspect followed or approached female victims and physically assaulted or attempted to sexually abuse them.

A witness stepped in near Cedar Hall around 12:05 a.m. Friday, pursuing the suspect on foot and helping officers track him to Parking Structure 8, where he was taken into custody.

"In each incident, the victims were able to fight back or witnesses intervened, allowing the victims to get away and notify police," the UCLA Police Department said in a statement.

Olomuyiwa Akindahunsi, 29, was booked on suspicion of robbery, attempted kidnapping, assault with intent to commit a sex offense and sexual battery. Bail was set at $2.3 million. Police said Akindahunsi has no affiliation with UCLA and may be homeless.

UCLA Police Chief Craig Valenzuela credited his department with a swift response. "I commend our officers for their quick response and excellent work in locating and arresting the suspect," Valenzuela said. Campus police have increased patrols in residential areas as a precaution.

Valenzuela said protecting the campus community would remain the department's foremost concern. "Incidents like these are deeply concerning, and the safety and security of our campus community remains our highest priority," he said.