University of Iowa campus incident investigated as attempted sexual assault

The Iowa City Police Department is investigating the assault of a University of Iowa camp participant as an attempted sexual assault.

Lt. Doug Hart, commander of the department's investigations unit, said police were called to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at about 4:30 p.m. Monday for a "sex/rape" incident. Hart said "sex/rape" refers to a broad category of offenses and, in this case, police are investigating the alleged assault as an assault with intent to commit sex abuse.

Police said the assault occurred in an alley in downtown Iowa City around 1 p.m. on Monday. Hart described the victim as a "juvenile male" and his attacker has been described a white man with a thin build, approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall. Hart said he didn't have any information on the assailant's age. The boy was a participant in a summer camp sponsored by the university.

Authorities are saying little about what has led them to investigate the incident as an assault with intent to commit sex abuse.

"The circumstances, as they were reported to us, from the victim," Hart said.

Hart said the boy was transported to the UIHC for evaluation. His injuries do not appear to be serious, though Hart said there was no doubt the incident was "very traumatic" for the boy.

The boy was alone at the time of the assault and police have no witnesses at this time, Hart said.

"That will be part of our investigative process to seek out and speak with anybody that may have witnessed anything," he said.

While assaults in downtown Iowa City are not uncommon, they typically don't occur in broad daylight. Hart said he was not aware of any other recent crimes fitting this pattern, but added, "things do happen."

"There's nothing indicating any similar types of incidents have occurred, suggesting there is some type of imminent threat," he said. "It's still prudent for people to be situationally aware when they are doing anything."

UI officials said Tuesday the boy has left the camp and returned home. Other camp attendants - and their parents - have been notified of the incident and reminded of the program's safety protocols.