GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A man was arrested Friday in connection with a series of incidents involving sexually explicit and inappropriate behavior towards University of Florida students.
In a release, the Gainesville Police Department and the University of Florida Public Safety announced the arrest of Riley Washington, 38, after a series of incidents reported by UF students occurred last weekend.
An investigation was launched after students came forward to report ‘disturbing’ encounters with an individual who’s sexual behavior they described as sexual and nature and made them feel unsafe.
The Gainesville Police Department said that, assisted by UPD, they created a surveillance plan to locate and monitor a suspect, which allowed them to take Washington into custody near the UF campus after he attempted to flee the area.
“Washington’s actions were escalating in severity and we took swift action to prevent further victims,” said GPD Chief Nelson Moya. “I commend the cooperative work of both our agency and UPD in bringing this case to a swift and safe resolution.”
“Public safety is a shared responsibility,” said UPD Chief Bart Knowles, “this is a perfect example of a student using the Gator Safe app to report suspicious activity.”
Both agencies urge anyone who may have had a similar encounter with Washington, or any additional information relating to thsi case, to come forward.
Washington is being held in the Alachua County jail on charges of sexual battery, loitering and prowling, and stalking.
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