The UC Santa Barbara Police Department has issued a Clery Act Timely Warning after receiving a report of a battery on an MTD bus and stalking that occurred at the North Hall Bus Loop on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
According to UCPD, the victim was riding an MTD bus toward the North Hall Bus Loop when a man sat next to her with a backpack on his lap, moved closer, and rubbed her thigh without consent. When the bus arrived at the loop, the victim exited and the suspect followed.
The victim sought help from nearby people, and the suspect walked away. He is described as a male in his 30s and is not known to the victim.
Police said they received a similar report on January 20, 2026, involving a man in his 20s to 30s who boarded an MTD bus bound for the same stop, sat next to a victim, and touched her thigh and private areas without consent.
In that incident, the suspect was described as 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, about 220 pounds, wearing a dark gray beanie, black T-shirt, black sweatpants, black shoes, and carrying a faded black backpack. The suspect was not known to the victim.
UCPD is investigating and asks anyone with information or who may have experienced a similar incident to call 805-893-3446 or report anonymously.
Resources and safety information:
- CARE offers free, confidential support for those impacted by sexual violence, relationship violence, and stalking. 24/7 line: 805-893-4613.
- UCSB’s Office of Title IX Compliance provides policies and support resources related to sexual violence and harassment.
- The CSO Safety Escort Program offers free escorts as an alternative to walking alone at night. Call 805-893-2000.
UCPD emphasized that perpetrators are solely responsible for acts of sexual violence and shared general safety reminders, including trusting your instincts, seeking help from bystanders, and calling 911 if you feel you are being followed.
Timely Warnings are issued under the Clery Act when certain crimes on or near campus present a serious or continuing threat to the community, with the goal of preventing similar crimes and helping community members protect themselves.
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Got the campus email the other day about this. I’d carry some bear spray and be ready to use it if I were a woman riding the bus out there. Fool needs to be blasted and then locked up.
No you didn’t.
BASIC – but it’s OK if your president does this and brags about it, right?
Is it because you assume this pervert is not a white billionaire?