Campus Alert Archive
U of U

Reported sexual assault — sexual assault

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On 2020-11-13, U of U Public Safety posted: Reported sexual assault.

Alerts
2
Response
—
Killed
0
Injured
0
Institution
University of Utah
Public R1 · UT
All U of U cases →
~35,000 studentsU of U Alert
Official alert policy
Read when and how U of U says it will use Campus Alert (alert.utah.edu): summarized, quoted, and analyzed.
Documented Timeline

Alert Sequence

2 messages in sequence · 2 verified verbatim

Confirmed wording is transcribed character-for-character from a primary source. Use Verify this quote under each message to open that source in a new tab and compare the text yourself.

INITIAL ALERTWebsite
Verified verbatim4068 chars
The following is a safety message for our campus community. On Saturday, 10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm, the University of Utah Police Department was notified of a sexual assault that occurred between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm in the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr. The assault took place in a vehicle described as a dark color, late model car. There was a weapon present in the vehicle but it was not used in the commission of the act. Description of the person of interest: The person of interest is described as a male, slim build, with a shaved head in a military uniform. The University Police Department is actively investigating. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact University Police at 801-585-2677. Prevention and Safety Tips: This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember to: If you or someone you know is a victim of interpersonal violence, call the LINK line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) Consent is required for all sexual interactions. Consent cannot be granted if a person is under the influence of alcohol, coerced, or under duress or force. If you are unsure if a person wants to engage in sexual behavior, DO NOT DO IT. Coercion includes “wearing a person down” until they say yes. This is not consent. The vast majority of sexual assault occurs between two people who know each other. Usually victims of sexual assault know, and sometimes trust, the person who hurt them. If you notice one of your friends ignoring another person’s boundaries, remove your friend from the situation and tell them their behavior is not ok. Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus. Let a family member or friend know when you’re going somewhere and your estimated time of arrival or return. This allows them to notify police as quickly as possible if there is a problem. Stay Aware — If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around. Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when walking alone. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can — there is safety in numbers. If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible. Support and Resources Additional support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app, and through the U’s Basic Needs Center. Counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus: American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019 Black Cultural Center: 801-213-1441 Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776 Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619 LGBT Resource Center: 801-587-7973 Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365 Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066 University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826 University Neuropsychiatric Institute crisis line: (available 24/7): 801-587-3000 Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030
Verify this quote
U of U Alert — Reported sexual assaultpublicsafety.utah.edufind archived copies
Full body from publicsafety.utah.edu.
2026-09-21 second deep audit b45 P3 partial: page-scrape-cut-mid-sentence. Recapture full official body through restored tail. Dual html.parser+regex inner. Cap-exempt R1.
INITIAL ALERTWebsite
Verified verbatim3640 chars
A university detective specializing in sexual assault and campus police victim advocate are working with the victim to obtain more details in the case and to make support resources available. A suspect in the case has been identified and is known to the victim. However, to protect the integrity of this case and the ongoing investigation, the university is not able to provide any additional details at this time. University police are committed to the safety of the campus community and recognize the heightened anxiety that can be caused by an open investigation like this one. While public information is limited, security measures designed to protect the campus community are in place. Additional support and resources are available to anyone with concerns, and are listed below. This will be our last update in the case unless new information becomes available that is appropriate to share publicly or if specific public assistance is needed. Once the investigation has finished, more information (pending victim privacy concerns) may be available. University police continue to investigate the case and are reviewing all available sources of information. Anyone with information about the assault is encouraged to contact University of Utah Police by calling 801-585-2677 (801-585-COPS). Updates on the case will be posted as they become available. University of Utah Police are investigating a reported sexual assault early this morning Saturday, Feb. 29 at a campus residence hall. The victim is not a University of Utah student. The suspect is male and based on information available it is not clear whether he is a university student.No additional details of the reported assailant are available at this time, and the police investigation is ongoing. This message was sent as part of the University of Utah’s commitment to provide timely, accurate and validated information about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. If you have any helpful information, please contact University of Utah Police by calling 801-585-2677 (801-585-COPS). In the immediacy of this event: If you wish to use a courtesy escort anywhere on campus, 24-hours-a-day, call 801-585-2677 to arrange service. More information will be shared as it becomes available.The primary focus of police will be to investigate the case, ensure the safety of campus, and support the individual who reported the incident and provide all needed resources. Please understand these types of investigations take time for a variety of reasons. Housing & Residential Education on-call staff are available to support residents. Staff can be reached through the information desks at the Peterson Heritage Center, Lassonde Studios and Marriott Honors Community. Counseling and support services are also available from several entities on campus. These include: University Neuropsychiatric Institute crisis line: 801-587-3000 (available 24/7). Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776 University Counseling Center: 801-581-6826 Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030 Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action: 801-581-8365 Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066 Department of Public Safety: 801-585-2677 The campus community is also encouraged to visit the website safeu.utah.edu, which has comprehensive information about how to report incidents, where to get support and other resources and safety training available at the U. This message was sent as part of the University of Utah’s commitment to provide timely warning about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community.
Verify this quote
U of U Alert — Reported sexual assaultpublicsafety.utah.edufind archived copies
Full body from publicsafety.utah.edu.
Message elements

How the first alert is built

To check this alert, Claude Opus 5.5 (an AI) read it in full 25 separate times, independently. Each read decided whether the message answers each of the six questions and gave a short reason. A final reviewer then weighed all 25 and wrote the plain-English verdict you see when you open a row. The score (for example 22/25) is how many reads agreed; the 25 individual reads are tucked underneath if you want to check them.

The following is a safety message for our campus community. On Saturday, 10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm, the University of Utah Police Department was notified of a sexual assault that occurred between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm in the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr. The assault took place in a vehicle described as a dark color, late model car. There was a weapon present in the vehicle but it was not used in the commission of the act. Description of the person of interest: The person of interest is described as a male, slim build, with a shaved head in a military uniform. The University Police Department is actively investigating. If anyone has information regarding this incident, please contact University Police at 801-585-2677. Prevention and Safety Tips: This safety warning is being issued as part of the University of Utah’s efforts to provide timely notifications about serious or ongoing threats to the campus community. While it may be distressing to learn about this incident, it is being shared so you can best protect yourself. Responsibility for a crime lies with the person committing it; however, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of experiencing crime. Please remember to: If you or someone you know is a victim of interpersonal violence, call the LINK line at 1-800-897-LINK (5465) Consent is required for all sexual interactions. Consent cannot be granted if a person is under the influence of alcohol, coerced, or under duress or force. If you are unsure if a person wants to engage in sexual behavior, DO NOT DO IT. Coercion includes “wearing a person down” until they say yes. This is not consent. The vast majority of sexual assault occurs between two people who know each other. Usually victims of sexual assault know, and sometimes trust, the person who hurt them. If you notice one of your friends ignoring another person’s boundaries, remove your friend from the situation and tell them their behavior is not ok. Use the U’s SafeRide program or a courtesy escort (main campus: 801-585-2677; University Hospital: 801-581-2294) to get around campus. Let a family member or friend know when you’re going somewhere and your estimated time of arrival or return. This allows them to notify police as quickly as possible if there is a problem. Stay Aware — If you feel uneasy, leave the area. Go to a safe location and notify University Police at 801-585-2677, or in case of an emergency, dial 911. Take care of one another and consider stopping and being present until help arrives in situations where someone may be experiencing harm. The person causing harm may stop if other people are around. Report any suspicious activities to University Police at 801-585-2677. Be prepared to provide as many details as possible. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions, especially when walking alone. Try to avoid isolated or dark areas. Walk in groups whenever you can — there is safety in numbers. If a person approaches you in a way that makes you uncomfortable, maintain a distance and be observant; if they are in a vehicle, get the license plate number, make, model, color, and any additional identifiers, such as damage to the vehicle and direction of flight, if possible. Support and Resources Additional support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app, and through the U’s Basic Needs Center. Counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus: American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019 Black Cultural Center: 801-213-1441 Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776 Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619 LGBT Resource Center: 801-587-7973 Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365 Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066 University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826 University Neuropsychiatric Institute crisis line: (available 24/7): 801-587-3000 Women’s Resource Center: 801-581-8030

  • Sourcepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it names the University of Utah Police Department.

    Who is sending the alert and who is responding. People act faster on a message from a clearly identifiable, credible sender, such as a named department, the police, or a branded alert system, than on an anonymous notice. A branded signature counts.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It names the University of Utah Police Department.
    2. present: University of Utah Police Department is named.
    3. present: It names the University of Utah Police Department.
    4. present: University of Utah Police Department.
    5. present: It names 'the University of Utah Police Department'.
    6. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    7. present: Names the University of Utah Police Department.
    8. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    9. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    10. present: It names 'the University of Utah Police Department'.
    11. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    12. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    13. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    14. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    15. present: University of Utah Police Department is named.
    16. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    17. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    18. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    19. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    20. present: University of Utah Police Department.
    21. present: The University of Utah Police Department is named.
    22. present: The 'University of Utah Police Department' is named.
    23. present: It names the University of Utah Police Department.
    24. present: It names the University of Utah Police Department.
    25. present: It says 'the University of Utah Police Department was notified' and asks people to contact University Police.
  • Hazardpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it names a sexual assault, with a weapon present in the vehicle.

    What the threat actually is. A complete warning names the specific danger, such as a shooter, a fire, a tornado, or a gas leak, rather than a vague emergency, because people decide what to do based on what they are facing.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It names 'a sexual assault' with a weapon present.
    2. present: It names a sexual assault.
    3. present: It names a sexual assault.
    4. present: Sexual assault.
    5. present: It names 'a sexual assault'.
    6. present: It names a "sexual assault".
    7. present: Names a sexual assault.
    8. present: It names a sexual assault.
    9. present: It names a sexual assault.
    10. present: It names 'a sexual assault'.
    11. present: It names a sexual assault.
    12. present: It names a sexual assault.
    13. present: It names a sexual assault.
    14. present: It names a sexual assault with a weapon present.
    15. present: Names 'sexual assault'.
    16. present: It names "a sexual assault".
    17. present: It names a sexual assault.
    18. present: It names a sexual assault.
    19. present: Names a sexual assault.
    20. present: Sexual assault.
    21. present: It names a sexual assault.
    22. present: It names a sexual assault.
    23. present: It names 'a sexual assault'.
    24. present: It names a sexual assault.
    25. present: It names 'a sexual assault' that occurred in a vehicle.
  • Locationpresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it gives "the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr."

    Where the threat is. Saying whether danger is in a specific building, a part of campus, or area-wide lets people judge their own proximity and choose a safe direction. Without a where, a warning is hard to act on precisely.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It gives 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'.
    2. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    3. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    4. present: 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    5. present: It gives 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'.
    6. present: It gives "the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr".
    7. present: Gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    8. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    9. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    10. present: It gives 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'.
    11. present: It gives "the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.".
    12. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    13. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    14. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    15. present: '400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr'.
    16. present: It gives "the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr".
    17. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    18. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    19. present: 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'
    20. present: 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    21. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    22. present: It gives 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'.
    23. present: It gives 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'.
    24. present: It gives the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.
    25. present: It gives 'the 400 block of S Mario Capecchi Dr.'
  • Guidancepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: the safety tips tell readers to leave the area if uneasy and to avoid isolated or dark areas.

    The protective action to take. A clear, specific instruction, such as shelter in place, evacuate, avoid the area, or run-hide-fight, drives faster and more correct protective behavior than describing the threat alone.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It tells readers 'If you feel uneasy, leave the area' and to avoid isolated areas.
    2. present: It gives safety tips such as leaving the area if uneasy.
    3. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    4. present: Tips such as leave the area and dial 911.
    5. present: It advises 'If you feel uneasy, leave the area' and walk in groups.
    6. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    7. present: Says leave the area if uneasy and dial 911.
    8. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy, dialing 911, and walking in groups.
    9. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and walking in groups.
    10. present: It advises to 'leave the area' if uneasy and dial 911 in an emergency.
    11. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    12. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    13. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and walking in groups.
    14. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and walking in groups.
    15. present: Advises leaving the area and notifying police.
    16. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    17. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    18. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    19. present: Tips such as 'leave the area' and 'Walk in groups'.
    20. present: If uneasy leave the area, dial 911.
    21. present: It advises leaving the area and dialing 911.
    22. present: It advises leaving uneasy situations and calling 911.
    23. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and dialing 911.
    24. present: It advises leaving the area if uneasy and avoiding isolated areas.
    25. present: It advises 'If you feel uneasy, leave the area' and to walk in groups.
  • Timepresent25/25

    Final assessment

    Present, unanimously: it gives "10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm" and the 4:00 to 5:00 pm incident window.

    When the message applies. A timestamp, the word now or immediately, or a phrase like until further notice tells the reader whether the danger is current and how quickly to act.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It gives '10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    2. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    3. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    4. present: 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    5. present: It gives '10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    6. present: It gives "10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm".
    7. present: Gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    8. present: It gives Saturday, 10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm.
    9. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    10. present: It gives 'Saturday, 10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    11. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    12. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    13. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    14. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    15. present: '10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    16. present: It gives "10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm".
    17. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    18. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    19. present: '10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    20. present: 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    21. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    22. present: It gives '10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    23. present: It gives '10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm'.
    24. present: It gives 10/17/2020 at 8:10 pm.
    25. present: It gives 'Saturday, 10/17/2020, at 8:10 pm' and the '4:00 pm and 5:00 pm' window.
  • Impactpresent14/25

    Final assessment

    Present by a narrow majority: the weapon present and "serious or ongoing threats" framing were read as conveying severity; a large minority noted the weapon "was not used" and saw only boilerplate.

    What the hazard could do to the people in its path. Beyond naming the threat, a complete warning conveys its potential consequences or severity, such as that a tornado can level buildings or that a leak could be explosive, so recipients grasp how much danger they are in. Research on warning message content finds that a concrete impact statement helps people personalize their risk and act sooner.

    See all 25 individual reads
    1. present: It frames the warning as about 'serious or ongoing threats to the campus community'.
    2. present: It notes a weapon present and 'serious or ongoing threats'.
    3. absent: It notes a weapon was not used, and no severity is stated.
    4. present: 'Weapon present in the vehicle' conveys severity.
    5. absent: It notes a weapon was not used and states no consequence.
    6. present: It reports a sexual assault with a weapon present, conveying harm and severity.
    7. absent: No severity statement beyond boilerplate.
    8. absent: It notes a weapon was present but not used; no injury or severity stated.
    9. present: It cites "serious or ongoing threats" and a weapon present.
    10. absent: It notes a weapon was present but not used; no consequence or severity is stated.
    11. present: It notes a weapon was present during the assault, conveying serious harm.
    12. present: It refers to "serious or ongoing threats" and a weapon present.
    13. present: It cites "serious or ongoing threats" and a weapon in the vehicle.
    14. present: It frames the warning as about "serious or ongoing threats".
    15. present: Refers to 'serious or ongoing threats' and a weapon present.
    16. absent: No consequence or severity is stated.
    17. absent: It notes a weapon was not used and states no further consequence.
    18. present: It notes a weapon was present in the vehicle, conveying heightened danger.
    19. present: Refers to 'serious or ongoing threats' and a weapon present.
    20. absent: Weapon unused; no consequence stated.
    21. absent: A weapon was present but not used, and no severity is stated.
    22. absent: It says the weapon 'was not used'; no consequence is stated.
    23. present: It describes a sexual assault with 'a weapon present' in the vehicle.
    24. present: It says a weapon was present in the vehicle, raising the severity.
    25. absent: It notes a weapon was present 'but it was not used', and states no injury or severity beyond the crime's name.

Coded by Claude Opus 5.5

Systematic AI judgments with visible reasoning, not human-validated codings.

About this analysis
Context

Background

University of Utah campus alert.
Analysis

Key Findings

Official U of U alert body recovered.
Outcome
See notice.
Provenance

Sources

Every claim on this page is meant to be checkable. Open the links below (and the Verify this quote control under each confirmed alert) to read the original university, news, or archive page yourself. Hostnames are shown so you can see where you are going; archived copies survive when live pages move or disappear. See also our methodology.

  1. Official
    Reported sexual assault
    publicsafety.utah.edu
    archived copy
  2. Official
    Reported sexual assault
    publicsafety.utah.edu
    archived copy
Cite this case

Campus Alert Archive. "University of Utah: Reported sexual assault — sexual assault." Incident of November 13, 2020. Added July 2026; last updated September 2026. https://campusalertarchive.com/case/university-of-utah-reported-sexual-assault-v2-2020-11-13/

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Alert text quoted on this page remains the work of the issuing institution; the archive is a secondary source.

Tags
university-of-utah
Added July 2026Updated September 2026Via ingestion