UT student groped while on the Drag

Around 9:30 Thursday night, a University of Texas co-ed called police saying she had been groped by a man just outside of the Target on the Drag.

Police say the man ran off, heading north on Guadalupe right after the assault. Although it was near campus, the Austin Police Department is leading the investigation.

"We definitely work closely with UTPD and ultimately our goal is to keep the peace and make sure everyone is safe, whether they are in UTPD’s jurisdiction or whether they are in APD's jurisdiction,” said Ofc. Destiny Silva, with the Austin Police Department.

They have not made any arrest, but say while on the Drag, or anywhere for that matter students and visitors must be aware of their surroundings.

"It's very important to have some type of self-defense item but what's even more important is to know how to use it," said Silva.

The vice president of the student safety advocacy program Safe Horns, Joell McNew, says unfortunately incidents of harassment, and aggressive panhandling are things their students complain about constantly.

"I mean... the groping situation…if only we had halo cameras. If we had citizen patrol which we are asking for, there needs to be an APD substation that can help support a citizen patrol in that area," said McNew.

McNew says even her son was targeted by an aggressive panhandler. She believes the city and law enforcement can come together and figure out solutions.

"It's one of the most densely populated areas of Austin so where is the infrastructure in terms of safety? That population is between 18-24 years old," said McNew.

The student described the man as white, between 50-55-years-old, 5'6 in height with long white hair. If you know something, call the Austin Police Department 512-472-TIPS.