UCI police seek suspect in groping case

UC Irvine police Wednesday sent a warning to students about a reported groping on campus last month.

Police said a man forcibly fondled a female in a residence hall Nov. 21. Police said she reported it last week.

Authorities did not say whether the female is a student at UCI but said the suspect is not affiliated with the campus.

The two met through social media sometime before the incident, police said.

“It can be assumed that crimes of a similar nature could continue to occur since the suspect has not been arrested,” police said. “Members and guests of the UCI community should take precautions.”

Authorities described the suspect as Filipino, about 19 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall and about 145 pounds. He has black hair, a heavy accent and plug earring piercings in both ears, police said.

Authorities asked that anyone with information call the UCI Police Department at (949) 824-5223.

— Jeremiah Dobruck

Twitter: @jeremiahdobruck