Man in ski mask tried to enter female student's car, police say

Man in ski mask tried to enter female student's car, police say

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SALT LAKE CITY — Campus police are warning the community of a man who attempted to enter a female student's car Tuesday.

The student had exited the Marriott Library at the University of Utah and locked the doors of her car when a man wearing a ski mask approached her vehicle and tried to open her driver door, police said. The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. in a parking lot west of the library, according to University of Utah Police Sgt. Mike Richards.

"The student had her car started successfully and started honking her horn to draw attention to herself and was able to back out," he said. "As she started moving the car, the man started running off in a western direction towards the field house of the university."


She did everything right — she should be congratulated for keeping her head and being in control of her emotions.

–Mike Richards


The student did not know the man in the mask, police said. Investigators said he was wearing a ski mask, scarf, dark hoodie and sweatpants when he approached her car.

Richards said the student reacted appropriately to the situation and was able to stay safe.

"She did everything right — she should be congratulated for keeping her head and being in control of her emotions," he said.

University police sent an email alert to the campus community Wednesday asking for people to be alert and report any suspicious activity. Richards said police will be intensifying patrols in and around the Marriott Library.

University of Utah students who want an escort can call: 801-585- 2677

He said police always recommend people walk in groups and that students who need a security escort can call 801-585-2677.

Westminster College also sent an email alert Thursday after receiving multiple reports of strangers entering homes in the Sugar House area during the middle of the night. In the email, the college said an assault occurred during at least one of the incidents.

Administrators advised the community to keep doors and windows locked at all times and said anyone with information about the intrusions should call the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3000 or the Dean of Students Office at 801-832-2233.

Contributing: Cleon Wall

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