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UF students take precautions with attacker still on loose

Campus remains on edge after several people assaulted

GAINESVILLE, Fla. ā€“ Students are still on edge following a series of attempted sexually assaults at the University of Florida. Students from South Florida are coming together to make sure everyone remains safe.

Local 10's Carlos Suarez spoke with three South Florida students who said they are worried about the heightened sense of security on and off campus, especially at night.

Students have hit up the few stores across town that still have mace, or pepper spray, on their shelves. If they can't find it in-store, students are ordering it online.

"We heard Home Depot ran out," said Suarez.

"Yeah, Walmart and Home Depot. Even the Army store ran out," said UF senior Sophia Soloff. "We just ordered them on Amazon with two-day shipping. I never had it on my keys prior to the events that happened, but now I have it everywhere I go."

The rush to buy mace came after reports of a fifth attack near campus overnight Monday. Students said a dispute between a couple up the street from the sorority houses led to 911 calls and increased fear.

"I was scared to sleep at night. My window is on the walkway of the apartment," said UF student Mariam Grigoryan. "Anyone could have climbed through. Like now, I'm really scared."

As president of Delta Phi Epsilon, it's Hannah Kaye's job to make sure her girls are doing everything to stay safe, including checking in with her throughout the day.

Police are still working to get a sketch of the man who attacked four women in and around campus. Police held a news conference Monday to talk about the four incidents.

Despite being captured on surveillance cameras, none of the victims have been able to provide authorities with a sketch of him.

"All of the presidents make sure we stay in touch so we can let our girls know as soon as possible about any new information," Kaye said.

Police also responded to several calls about a man fitting the description in the video, but each call turned up nothing.

Follow Carlos Suarez on Twitter @CarlosWPLG

Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10


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