BYU police searching for man who groped women

Police at Brigham Young University are investigating reports by eight women who have been groped in recent weeks on or near campus.

In most of the cases, the women were walking alone when a man grabbed at them, said BYU police Lt. Arnold Lemmon. In some cases, the man was standing still and groped the women as they walked past; in others, he reached out as he was walking or jogging past them.

However, early Tuesday one student reported a man walked into her apartment and intercepted her in the hallway when she came out of her bedroom to investigate, Lemmon said.

The student was awakened about 3 a.m. by the sound of someone opening her door, Lemmon said. A man wearing a black jacket with the hood pulled over his head fondled her; he ran away when the victim's screaming summoned her roommate.

Gropings have occurred at Helaman Halls, Heritage Halls, off-campus in Provo, and one just outside of the campus police office, Lemmon said. The first was reported Jan. 23. They have occurred as early as 5:20 p.m. and as late as 3 a.m.

The women's description of the assailant varies, "but each one is close enough that it could be the same person," Lemmon said. "We don't think it's eight different people."

In all cases, the man was white, in his early 20s and about 150 pounds. Height has been estimated from 5 feet 6 inches to 6 feet. None of the victims reported facial hair on the attacker, and his hair color isn't known, Lemmon said. Among the clothing reported by victims was a royal blue beanie, a gray sweatshirt, black gloves, a black beanie, white shoes, neon green and orange running shoes, and sunglasses.

ealberty@sltrib.com