UGA police arrest Athens man suspected in attack of woman on campus

University of Georgia police detectives arrested a man Monday they said attacked and beat a woman unconscious early Saturday outside a parking garage on campus.

Police identified the suspect as Tritavious Malik Harris, 24, of West Broad Street, Athens.

Harris is charged with robbery, aggravated battery, kidnapping, battery, sexual battery and simple assault in the attack that occurred about 2:23 a.m. near the North Campus Parking Deck off Fulton Street.

Police said the suspect ran after two men walked up on the scene.

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When an officer arrived, he found the woman unconscious, but was able to awaken her, according to the report. He attempted to question the woman, but the officer reported she “appeared unable to answer what had happened.”

Police then examined a security camera and the footage showed the attack in which the man dragged the woman by her hair, punched and slapped her, then slammed her body to the ground causing her to lose consciousness, according to the report.

The attacker then stole the woman’s cell phone and dragged her to a location where he groped her and tore her shirt, police said. 

Police would not say Monday if the victim was a student.

Following the attack, UGA police released a photo and description of the suspect, which generated tips from the public. Police obtained the warrants charging Harris with the crime about 11 a.m. Monday.

After police identified the suspect, they apparently received information that Harris was in Jefferson, as Jefferson Police Chief Joe Wirthman said UGA police called to say their suspect may be in his city.

Jefferson police officers staked out an apartment complex on Pine Street, and leads directed them to an apartment where Wirthman said Harris surrendered without incident.

In announcing the arrest on Monday, UGA police also extended appreciation to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Jefferson police for their assistance.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to UGA police at (706) 542-2200.