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SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah police are investigating a reported sexual assault believed to have happened near the Marriott Library Monday night.
Officers responded to the University of Utah Hospital shortly after midnight Tuesday after receiving a report of a sexual assault, University of Utah Police Lt. Brian Wahlin.
Officers learned the alleged attack happened west of the Marriott Library about 10:30 p.m. Monday.
Not much is known about the attack. Wahlin said the person who reported the sexual assault was a female and the attacker is believed to be a male.
He said police had spoken with the female and were going to meet with her again likely later this week to see if they can get any more information about the alleged attack, including if she knew the attacker beforehand.
"At this point in time, we're following all information and leads we have — utilizing technology and other means here on campus to track down leads and see what we can do to determine who is responsible for this assault," Wahlin said during a press conference outside of the library Tuesday morning. "These do take some time and, unfortunately, we don't have a lot of answers for you at this point in time."
University of Utah officials issued a Campus Alert just before 5 a.m. Tuesday — hours after police responded to the report. Two other alerts were sent out Tuesday morning.
University spokesman Chris Nelson said the delay in the alert was to make sure the university sent out accurate information.
"It's always a balance between timeliness and accuracy and having information that is actually helpful and doesn't (cause) a problem," he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call University of Utah Police at 801-585-2677.
Anyone who wants a courtesy escort anywhere on campus can call 801-585-2677. People on campus are urged to be alert to their surroundings and report anything suspicious.
Contributing: Derek Petersen, KSL TV
