Texas college college students protest after sexual assault suspect launched | USAEMALL.com

University of Houston students protested Wednesday amid a campus crime wave, following reports that a man accused of sexually assaulting and robbing a woman on campus was released shortly after his arrest, prompting police to now look for him.

Eric Latroy Brown, 40, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly approached a woman in a parking garage on UH’s campus and sexually assaulted her in her car at knifepoint on Feb. 7 around 5:30 p.m.

On Feb. 8, the UH Police Department announced Brown’s arrest, saying in a news alert that “an individual who matches the description of the assailant in yesterday’s sexual assault is in custody” after officers arrested him “near the scene” on Feb. 7.

Three other crimes were also reported around that same parking garage over the past week, including other robberies, FOX 26 Houston reported.

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Eric Latroy Brown, 40, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon after he allegedly approached a woman in a parking garage on UH’s campus and sexually assaulted her in her car at knifepoint on Feb. 7 around 5:30 p.m. local time. (UHPD)

“Effective immediately, the University of Houston Police Department has four officers assigned to 24/7 patrols at the Welcome Center Garage,” UHPD said. “The UH Executive Steering Committee on Safety and Security is meeting to develop a comprehensive plan with both immediate and long-term strategies. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.”

However, officials told FOX 26 Houston this week that Brown has already been released from custody, and a new warrant has been issued for his arrest.

“I have not heard if he’s been caught yet, and I don’t have any information on why he was released… you’ll have to contact the Harris County District Attorney’s office for that information,” UHPD told Fox News Digital in a statement.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to an inquiry from Fox News Digital.

Brown was initially detained Friday night on charges of resisting arrest and assault of a public servant after officers had to use a Taser to take him into custody after a struggle, FOX 26 Houston reported.

Authorities determined there was not enough evidence to go forward with those charges, though, so Brown was released on Saturday. Charges in the parking garage attack were not filed until days later.

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Brown’s arrest record includes charges of assault on a family member, drug possession and criminal trespass dating back to 2004.

Four sexual assaults, four robberies and 13 thefts have been reported on the UH campus so far this month, as FOX 26 first reported. That’s compared to 16 sexual assaults, four robberies and 91 motor vehicle thefts reported on campus in 2023.

Four sexual assaults, four robberies and 13 thefts have been reported on the UH campus so far this month, as FOX 26 first reported. That’s compared to 16 sexual assaults, four robberies and 91 motor vehicle thefts reported on campus in 2023. (Google Maps)

Students protested the recent crime wave on Wednesday, demanding more security protections for the university.

“The recent incidents have been unusual in both their nature and frequency, and are of significant concern. We are taking decisive actions to deter future occurrences,” UH said in a Wednesday news release.

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Regarding Brown’s arrest, the university said it is “aggressively pursuing all cases and working closely with Harris County law enforcement agencies and the District Attorney’s office, which accepted charges this morning for the individual initially arrested Friday for the recent sexual assault on campus.”

UH also said it has “significantly increased security personnel and patrols across campus.”  (Google Maps)

“The University of Houston Police Department continues to work around the clock to investigate incidents, collect evidence and bring the offenders to justice. The University’s CARE team is providing resources and support to the victims of recent crimes,” UH said.

UH also said it has “significantly increased security personnel and patrols across campus.” It has “more than doubled” the number of campus security officers patrolling campus 24/7, and additional security officers have been stationed at six parking garages and 10 surface lots on campus, as well as bike and scooter racks.

The university is asking anyone with information about the recent crimes to contact UHPD at 713-743-3333.