Suspect Detained in Marquette University Sexual Assault

Police used surveillance footage to identify and apprehend a man matching the victim's description.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A man has been taken into custody in connection with the brutal robbery and sexual assault of a Marquette University student that occurred in mid-February near the campus. University police used surveillance video from the area to identify a suspect, who was later apprehended at a home where investigators found clothing matching the victim's description of her attacker's outfit.

Why it matters

This incident has raised concerns about campus safety and the need for improved security measures around Marquette University. The arrest of a suspect may provide some relief to the community, but the case highlights the ongoing challenges of preventing and responding to violent crimes near college campuses.

The details

According to a search warrant, the assault occurred around 1:40 a.m. on February 18 when the victim was walking home from a friend's house near North 14th Street and West Kilbourn Avenue. A man matching the description of the suspect - between 5'10" and 6'1" tall, thin build, wearing a beige hoodie and face mask with shoulder-length locks or twists - began following the victim. In an alley, the man allegedly pulled a black and silver semi-automatic handgun and sexually assaulted the victim in a nearby parking lot.

  • The incident was reported to police on February 18, 2026.
  • University police conducted a canvass of the area and reviewed surveillance footage on February 20, 2026.
  • Police apprehended a suspect at a home on the 1300 block of West Highland Avenue on February 20, 2026.

The players

Marquette University Police

The campus police department that investigated the incident and used surveillance footage to identify and apprehend a suspect.

Unidentified Suspect

A man matching the victim's description of her attacker, who was detained by police at a home near the crime scene.

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What they’re saying

“If you say anything, I am going to pull the trigger.”

— Unidentified Suspect (Search Warrant)

What’s next

Charges against the suspect are still pending as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of robust campus security measures and the need for vigilance to protect students, especially in high-crime areas near university campuses. The swift response and use of surveillance footage by Marquette University Police helped lead to the apprehension of a suspect, but more work remains to ensure the safety of the entire community.