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4-17-26 Assaults

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University of Washington police are investigating after four people who are affiliated with the UW reported being assaulted during the afternoon of Friday, April 17, on the southwest part of the UW campus. The man reportedly punched one person, grabbed, choked and hit a second person, then choked a third person near Architecture Hall. A fourth person called UWPD later to report being assaulted outside of Maple Hall by a person matching the suspect’s description. All victims declined medical assistance at the time of the initial response.

UW police officers found the suspect near the intersection of 15th Avenue NE and NE 40th Street by Gould Hall, where he’d reportedly damaged artwork. The man was arrested and booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of multiple assaults and malicious mischief.

The suspect was also seen 1:45-2:30 p.m. on April 17 near Stevens Court, the Applied Physics Laboratory, Maple Hall, Architecture Hall and the Hans Rosling Center for Population Health. The man was about 5-foot-9, with long black dreadlocks and a beard, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt or jacket and jeans.

If you witnessed the incidents or have additional information about these crimes or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973 and reference case number 2026-6476. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

4-8-26 Attempted Robbery

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University of Washington police responded to a report of an attempted robbery at about 10 p.m. yesterday, April 7, that occurred on Mason Place NE near the North Physics Laboratory. A man told police that he was walking to his hotel with his luggage when he was grabbed from behind by his backpack. Two suspects threatened him and tried to take his backpack and duffle bag. The man, who is not currently an employee or student of the UW, was able to escape after swinging his duffle bag at them. The suspects then ran south on the Burke-Gilman Trail. The man used a blue emergency tower in a nearby parking lot to call UW police. The suspects were described as men; one was about 5-foot-11 and the other was about 6-foot-2. No further description of the suspects was available.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973 and reference case number 2026-5789. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Warning: Scammers are pretending to be UWPD officers

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In the past few days, the UW Police Department has received more than 20 reports of scam phone calls that look like they’re coming from the UWPD non-emergency number, 206-685-8973 or the UWPD front desk phone number, 206-543-0507.

The scammer pretends to be a UWPD officer and demands money, telling callers they need to pay or they’ll be arrested. If you get a call like this, please do not share personal information or send money, gift cards or anything of value. The UWPD will never call you to ask for money.

If someone contacts you claiming to be with the UWPD, hang up and call the UWPD non-emergency line at 206-685-8973 to speak with the on-duty dispatcher. The dispatcher can confirm whether an officer is actually trying to reach you.

Learn more about how to avoid scams targeting the UW community.

1-25-26 Sexual Assault

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Seattle police are investigating a sexual assault that was reported shortly before midnight Sunday, Jan. 25, in the 4500 block of 21st Avenue NE. The assault was reported as happening in a house bathroom during a party. The suspect was described as a man with brunette hair and a goatee, about 5-foot-10, wearing a gray Patagonia jacket and jeans. The person who was assaulted did not know the suspect.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the Seattle Police Department violent crime tip line at 206-233-5000 and reference case 2026-23473. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

The UW provides victims/survivors of sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and sexual harassment an array of resources that reflect the University’s commitment to preventing and responding to sex- and gender-based violence, harassment and discrimination. Find out how to access confidential support, address safety concerns, locate medical care and counseling providers and make a report to the University or law enforcement.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

1-23-26 Weapons and Trespass

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Notification of Criminal Incident

January 23, 2026

University of Washington police arrested two men in connection with weapons charges and removed two others from Oliver Hall at about 12:30 a.m. today, Jan. 23. Officers responded to the Oliver Hall lounge after receiving a report of people inside the building who weren’t residents. They found all four men were not UW students.

Officers discovered two of the men were carrying guns without concealed pistol licenses. After arresting the men, they found an additional gun in a bag in the room. At this time, police have found no indication that the men were inside Oliver Hall to commit any additional crimes other than trespassing. The two men who were arrested were booked into the King County Jail and all four were banned from the UW campus and are no longer permitted to be on campus grounds.

UWPD appreciates the person who reported the trespassing and encourages all student housing residents to call 911 if they see someone in their building who shouldn’t be there. Students can also contact their Resident Assistant on call with concerns. Only students who live in a residence hall and their guests should be inside the building. All residents are asked to tap their Husky Cards to get access to their buildings to help keep buildings safe — please don’t hold the door open for people entering the building behind you.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

Learn more about University of Washington safety resources.

Halloween safety tips from UWPD

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Purple background with toy bats, spiders, pumpkins and ghosts.

Halloween is coming up soon, and we want you to stay safe while having fun. Here are a few tips and tricks for having an enjoyable night:

  • Choose your Halloween costume wisely. Wear something that you can move in and make sure masks and wigs don’t accidentally cover your eyes. Don’t carry fake weapons or items that could appear to be a weapon.
  • Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic. Walk with friends, if possible.
  • Drivers may have trouble seeing you. Just because one car stops doesn’t mean they all will.
  • Watch out for your friends and others, whether outside or at a party – be aware of your friends’ whereabouts and try not to leave them unattended. Huskies watch out for each other.
  • If drinking is part of your plans, choose a designated driver or plan how you will get home without getting behind the wheel. Also, know what you’re drinking and do not leave your beverage unattended.
  • The safest play is to not take any recreational drugs. If you do, be aware of what you have – don’t just trust what a treat giver tells you they’re giving you.
  • Avoid playing pranks (particularly on strangers).
  • Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, get yourself out of the situation as soon as possible.
  • Always carry your phone with you and don’t hesitate to call 911 to report suspicious or criminal activity.
  • Make a plan for getting home safely. Check out the NightRide shuttle, which picks up at eight scheduled stops around campus and drops off riders at their requested location within the East or West zone boundaries. UWPD’s Husky SafeTrip program also provides safe vehicle escort at night with a uniformed security guard for students, faculty and staff. Use Husky SafeTrip to safely get to and from campus to your home, to your car, to public transit or to another UW building within the SafeTrip service area.

Have a safe and happy Halloween!

10-11-25 – Threats/Harassment with a Firearm

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Notification of Criminal Incident

September 28, 2025

The University of Washington Police Department is investigating after a group of people reported that a man pointed a handgun at them and made threats at about 11:35 p.m. in parking lot E1 near Husky Stadium. The man then got into a black truck and drove away, possibly northbound on Montlake Boulevard NE. Officers searched the area, but were unable to find the truck or the suspect.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the University of Washington Police Department at 206-685-8973. The case number for this incident is 2025-00015093. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

9-28-25 – Assault and Residential Burglary

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Notification of Criminal Incident

September 28, 2025

At about 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, Seattle police were called to a home in the 4700 block of 19th Avenue NE after a group of people who were turned away from a party at the house kicked and punched several people. At one point, one of the suspects reportedly pulled out a gun and pointed it at the people at the party. The group then drove away.

About 40 minutes later, residents and visitors at the house called police again to report that they were hiding because the suspects had returned, broke several windows and entered the house. The suspects fled before police responded. Seattle officers searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects. The group reportedly left in a black SUV and red car.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the Seattle Police Department violent crime tip line at 206-233-5000 and reference case 2025-283717. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

9-25-25 – Shots fired

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Notification of Criminal Incident

September 25, 2025

Seattle police are investigating after several shots were fired in the 4700 block of 15th Avenue NE at about 12:05 p.m. Sept. 25. No one was hurt. Five people were standing outside when one pulled a gun and fired, then left, heading west on NE 47th Street. The suspect was described as a man with brown hair wearing a black short-sleeve T-shirt with writing on the front, and black pants/jeans.

If you witnessed the incident or have additional information about this crime or the suspect, please call the Seattle Police Department violent crime tip line at 206-233-5000 and reference case 2025-280676. To report a crime in progress, or other suspicious activities or persons, call 911.

8-22-25 Robbery – Unfounded

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Notification of Criminal Incident 

August 22, 2025

Seattle police are investigating after a robbery was reported at about 5:15 p.m. on Thursday near the intersection of 15th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street. During the robbery, the suspect showed a knife and stole a bicycle, then rode north on the bike. No one was hurt. No suspect description was available.

Update – August 25, 2025

Seattle police have determined that the incident was unfounded.