University of Houston Student Assaulted in Parking Garage, Suspect Arrested and Charged
A Combined $15 Million Bail for Accused
A 40-year-old man, Eric Brown, has been charged with sexually assaulting and robbing a University of Houston student in a campus parking garage earlier this month. Brown was arrested on Tuesday in East Downtown, just hours after authorities offered a $5,000 reward for information on his whereabouts.
Arrest and Charges
Brown failed to appear in court and in front of a magistrate judge on Tuesday before bonds totaling $15 million were set for two aggravated sexual assault charges and an additional charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. A probable cause order filed Wednesday alluded to other criminal charges on Brown’s record, including illegal dumping and criminal trespassing.
Incident Details
The incident occurred on February 7, when Brown allegedly forced a student into her vehicle and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint for 15 minutes. Brown is set to appear in court again on Thursday.
University’s Response
In response to the incident, the university has announced plans to improve the visibility of its security team by placing improved lighting systems on police bicycles and carts. Additionally, more security officers are now stationed at all six parking garages and 10 surface lots.
Campus Crime Rate
According to the university, based on 2023 campus crime data from the six largest public universities in Texas, UH has the second-lowest rate of reported forcible sex offenses, with 3.2 incidents per 10,000 students—significantly below the state average of 5.8 per 10,000 students.
Student Protests and Demands
The incident has led to calls for stronger safety measures on campus, with students staging a campus-wide protest last week. Students are demanding more effective measures to ensure their safety and well-being on campus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened in the incident?
A: Eric Brown allegedly forced a student into her vehicle and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint for 15 minutes.
Q: What are the charges against Brown?
A: Brown has been charged with two aggravated sexual assault charges and one charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.
Q: What is the university doing in response to the incident?
A: The university is working to improve the visibility of its security team and increasing the number of security officers on campus.
Q: What is the campus crime rate at the University of Houston?
A: According to the university, the campus crime rate is significantly lower than the state average, with 3.2 incidents per 10,000 students compared to 5.8 per 10,000 students at other public universities in Texas.
Q: What is the university’s statement on the incident?
A: The university has issued a statement saying it is working to address the issue and ensure the safety and well-being of its students.
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Mark Norris/Houston Public Media
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