Arrest made in sexual assault, robbery near UGA campus

Surveillace camera images purporting to be Tritavious Malik Harris after he allegedly sexually assaulted a femal near UGA's North Campus

By Joe Johnson

The University of Georgia Police Department Monday afternoon announced an arrest in a robbery and sexual assault that occurred near UGA's North Campus early Saturday morning.

UGA police took 24-year-old Tritavious Malik Harris of Athens into custody and charged him with robbery, aggravated battery, kidnapping, sexual battery, battery, simple assault, and criminal trespass in connection with the assault near the North Campus Parking Deck

Police said they learned of the incident at 2:33 a.m. when a UGA police officer found the female victim lying on a sidewalk near Fulton Street and the parking deck.

The female appeared to be unconscious, and EMS was called to render aid, according to the alert.

“According to police, a review of surveillance camera footage revealed that at approximately 2:23 a.m. an unknown male physically assaulted her, took her cell phone, and groped her.” police said. “The male fled as two other uninvolved males walked into the area.”

The university would not say how old the victim is or if she worked or attended UGA.

Harris was arrested after surveillance camera images were released to the media.

The Athens-Clarke County and Jefferson police departments assisted in the investigation, UGA said.

“The University of Georgia Police Department is no longer looking for suspects in this case, and sincerely appreciates the phone calls and tips that have already been shared by the public,” UGA said in a news release.

However, UGPD asked for anyone who may have additional information about the incident to contact them at (706) 542-2200.

In the wake of the assault, UGPD urged students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus to follow personal safety strategies, including traveling in groups when possible, remaining aware of your surroundings, traveling in well-lit areas when possible, and consume alcohol in a responsible and moderate manner.

As of 6 p.m. Harris was not listed as a prisoner at the Athens-Clarke County Jail.