{ "id": "2026-02-18-marquette-university-straz-tower-armed-sexual-assault-robbery", "slug": "marquette-university-straz-tower-armed-sexual-assault-robbery-2026-02-18", "institution": { "name": "Marquette University", "shortName": "Marquette", "state": "WI", "type": "private-r2", "alertSystemName": "MUPD Safety Alert", "alertPlatform": "Rave", "enrollment": 11500 }, "incident": { "date": "2026-02-18", "type": "sexual-assault", "cleryCategory": "timely-warning", "resolution": "confirmed-threat", "headline": "Sexual assault report, February 18, 2026", "summary": "At approximately 2:35 a.m. CST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Marquette University Police Department sent a [Safety Alert SMS to the campus community](https://today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-update-arrest-made-in-feb-18-sexual-assault-and-armed-robbery/) about an [armed sexual assault and robbery near N. 14th Street and W. Kilbourn Avenue](https://www.fox6now.com/news/marquette-armed-robbery-sexual-assault-021826), in the 900 block of N. 14th Street between Kilbourn and State. A suspect approached the female Marquette student victim with a weapon at approximately 1:55 a.m., sexually assaulted her, took her property, then fled northbound on 14th Street. MUPD subsequently arrested a suspect on February 26.", "outcome": "Suspect arrested by MUPD on Thursday, February 26, 2026. In the days between the assault and the arrest, MUPD expanded virtual patrol via its 1,200-camera network and relocated two mobile camera units to the 14th Street corridor. Marquette held a Campus Safety Conversation later in February at which administrators acknowledged the cluster of February incidents and detailed response measures.", "casualties": { "killed": 0, "injured": 1 } }, "alerts": [ { "sequence": 1, "type": "initial", "timestamp": "2026-02-18T02:35:00-06:00", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "The Marquette University Police Department is investigating the incident below. If you have more information, please contact MUPD immediately at (414) 288-6800.\n\nInitial Incident Report\n\n• Incident type: Armed robbery and sexual assault\n• Incident location: 900 block of 14th Street\n• Approximate time: 1:55 a.m.\n• Victims: One female Marquette student\n• Physical injuries: The victim was sexually assaulted and was taken to the hospital for treatment.\n\nA male suspect approached the female victim and displayed a weapon. The victim was sexually assaulted and turned over property. The victim was transported to the hospital for care. The armed suspect fled on foot heading northbound on 14th Street. The investigation is ongoing.\n\nDescription of suspect(s)\n\nSuspect 1\n\n• Sex: Male\n• Age: 20-30\n\nRace and/or ethnicity:\n\n• Black or African American\n\nHair: Black, braided\n\n Weight: Slim build\n\n Height: 6 foot\n\n Clothing: Tan hoodie, blue medical face mask, black pants, black shoes\n\nVehicle Description\n\nN/A\n\nPlease note that race, ethnicity, gender and/or religious affiliation are NOT considered the basis for suspicion; only behaviors are considered suspicious.\n\nThe purpose of this warning is to aid in the prevention of similar crimes by alerting the community about the incident and to provide information that allows individuals to make informed decisions about their personal safety.\n\nStay Safe, Stay Informed:\n\n• Text alerts inform the campus community of immediate action steps that will preserve safety. These steps include:\n• Use caution: If you are in the area, use caution and be aware of your surroundings.\n• Avoid area: Stay away from the area.\n• Shelter in place: Stay where you are until an all clear is given.\n• Evacuate: Evacuate the building you are in immediately.\n• Run, Hide, Fight: If you can safely leave the area, leave. If you are unable to leave the area safely, find a safe and secure location to hide. If you are left with no other option, use materials at your disposal to fight the active threat.\n• Opt in to text alerts via CheckMarq (students) and MyJob (faculty and staff).\n• Download the EagleEye safety app for one-click location services and access to MUPD. The app also allows riders to see scheduled arrival times and track EagleExpress in the area. Location services must be enabled. The app is free and available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android; it can also be found by searching “Marquette EagleEye” in either app store. Need to enable location services.\n• Mobile BlueLight: By tapping a button, MUPD will be dispatched to your device’s location to immediately respond.\n• Friend Walk: This allows you to send your location to a friend so the friend can ensure you get to your destination safely or call emergency services if they are concerned. When you finish your trip, disconnect, and it will stop tracking.\n• Utilize MUPD’s free EagleExpress transportation services on campus from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. 365 days per year. There are multiple vans in the EagleExpress Services fleet, each holding up to 12 passengers, as well as a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, which holds four passengers. All rides are dispatched and managed through the EagleExpress – Marquette app available at theApp StoreandGoogle Play.\n• Enter MUPD’s number in your phone so you always have it handy. MUPD non-emergency: (414) 288-6800. MUPD emergency: (414) 288-1911.\n\nRemember:\n\n• Always travel in pairs or groups and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back.\n• Do not become distracted by talking on your cell phone or listening to music through headphones at a high volume.\n• Give up your property if approached; do not offer more than is asked of you.\n• Take note of suspicious vehicles, especially those that appear to be circling the block or driving unusually slow. If you observe a suspicious vehicle, relay its description and location to MUPD using one of the more than 450 blue light phones on and near campus.\n• Travel on well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking through alleys and parking lots. Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.).\n• If you think someone is following you, cross the street, head for a well populated, well-lit area and contact MUPD.\n• When using a ride-sharing service or taxi for transportation, please take steps to ensure your safety.\n• 450 Blue Light emergency phones are located throughout campus. The phones are connected to the MUPD 24-hour communications center and identify the phone location if the caller is unable to speak. The phones can be used to request help or an escort, and to report suspicious activity and crimes.\n• 1,200 security cameras across campus provide real-time campus visibility to MUPD.\n• The use of alcohol by students under age 21 is against the law and against university policy. If you do plan to drink, be responsible and do so in moderation.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-alert-feb-18-2026-155-a-m/", "sourceDescription": "Marquette Today — Safety Alert: Feb. 18, 2026 | 1:55 a.m.", "annotations": [ "Full official MUPD Safety Alert recovered from Marquette Today (today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-alert-feb-18-2026-155-a-m/).", "Location is 900 block of 14th Street (not Straz Tower); prior SMS reconstruction was paraphrased from student-newspaper coverage." ], "characterCount": 5007 }, { "sequence": 2, "type": "follow-up", "timestampApprox": "Mid-day February 19, 2026, after MUPD recovered surveillance video and stills from the 9th and Wisconsin Avenue camera network", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "The Marquette University Police Department is making available an updated description, photos and video of a suspect wanted for questioning in relation to the Feb. 18 Safety Alert. MUPD advises the Marquette community to call (414) 288-6800 immediately if you see the individual pictured below. The video and images are from MUPD’s more than 1,200 security cameras located across campus.\n\nMUPD is going door-to-door in the area of 14th and Kilbourn to ask residents if they saw the suspect.\n\nUpdated suspect description:\n\nBlack male with medium-to-dark complexion\nBetween the ages of 20-30\n5’10’’ to 6’ tall with a skinny build\nShoulder-length locks or twists in his hair\nThe suspect was seen wearing a dark beige hoodie, light colored pants, white shoes, a blue hospital mask and a black backpack.\n\nIf you observe any suspicious behavior or fear for your safety at any time, contact MUPD at (414) 288-1911 or through the mobile blue light feature on the Eagle Eye app.\n\nMUPD’s 68 public safety professionals – including 48 law enforcement officers – patrol campus 24/7/365 and are committed to providing the safest environment possible in which to learn, live and work.\n\nPlease note that race, ethnicity, gender and/or religious affiliation are NOT considered the basis for suspicion; only behaviors are considered suspicious.\n\nThe purpose of this warning is to aid in the prevention of similar crimes by alerting the community about the incident and to provide information that allows individuals to make informed decisions about their personal safety.\n\nStay Safe, Stay Informed:\n\nText alerts inform the campus community of immediate action steps that will preserve safety. These steps include:\nUse caution: If you are in the area, use caution and be aware of your surroundings. \nAvoid area: Stay away from the area.\nShelter in place: Stay where you are until an all clear is given.\nEvacuate: Evacuate the building you are in immediately. \nRun, Hide, Fight: If you can safely leave the area, leave. If you are unable to leave the area safely, find a safe and secure location to hide. If you are left with no other option, use materials at your disposal to fight the active threat.\nOpt in to text alerts via CheckMarq (students) and MyJob (faculty and staff).\nDownload the EagleEye safety app for one-click location services and access to MUPD. The app also allows riders to see scheduled arrival times and track EagleExpress in the area. Location services must be enabled. The app is free and available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play for Android; it can also be found by searching “Marquette EagleEye” in either app store. Need to enable location services.\nMobile BlueLight: By tapping a button, MUPD will be dispatched to your device’s location to immediately respond.\nFriend Walk: This allows you to send your location to a friend so the friend can ensure you get to your destination safely or call emergency services if they are concerned. When you finish your trip, disconnect, and it will stop tracking.\nUtilize MUPD’s free EagleExpress transportation services on campus from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. 365 days per year. There are multiple vans in the EagleExpress Services fleet, each holding up to 12 passengers, as well as a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, which holds four passengers. All rides are dispatched and managed through the EagleExpress – Marquette app available at the App Store and Google Play.\nEnter MUPD’s number in your phone so you always have it handy. MUPD non-emergency: (414) 288-6800. MUPD emergency: (414) 288-1911.\nRemember:\n\nAlways travel in pairs or groups and stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Make sure someone knows when you leave and when to expect you back. \nDo not become distracted by talking on your cell phone or listening to music through headphones at a high volume.\nGive up your property if approached; do not offer more than is asked of you.\nTake note of suspicious vehicles, especially those that appear to be circling the block or driving unusually slow. If you observe a suspicious vehicle, relay its description and location to MUPD using one of the more than 450 blue light phones on and near campus. \nTravel on well-lit, busy streets and avoid walking through alleys and parking lots. Be aware of places along your path of travel that could conceal a criminal (shrubbery, building recesses, etc.). \nIf you think someone is following you, cross the street, head for a well populated, well-lit area and contact MUPD. \nWhen using a ride-sharing service or taxi for transportation, please take steps to ensure your safety.\n450 Blue Light emergency phones are located throughout campus. The phones are connected to the MUPD 24-hour communications center and identify the phone location if the caller is unable to speak. The phones can be used to request help or an escort, and to report suspicious activity and crimes. \n1,200 security cameras across campus provide real-time campus visibility to MUPD.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "http://today.marquette.edu/2026/02/mupd-safety-update-suspect-photos-and-videos-from-feb-18-2026-safety-alert/", "sourceDescription": "MUPD Safety Update: Suspect photos and videos from Feb. 18, 2026 Safety Alert (Marquette Today)", "annotations": [ "Full official MUPD Safety Update text recovered from Marquette Today.", "MUPD's release of suspect photos and video the day after a sexual assault is a comparatively new practice — Marquette historically waited several days before releasing identifying imagery for Title IX-overlapping crimes", "The release came less than 24 hours after the initial alert and was directly enabled by MUPD's 1,200-camera virtual-patrol network, a tangible operational dividend from a system that drew its own privacy debates when expanded in 2023-2024" ], "characterCount": 4976 }, { "sequence": 3, "type": "all-clear", "timestampApprox": "Thursday, February 26, 2026 (arrest announcement date on Marquette Today)", "channel": "email", "verbatimText": "On Thursday, Feb. 26, the Marquette University Police Department arrested a suspect in the sexual assault and armed robbery that occurred on Feb. 18. The suspect was not among those taken into custody for unrelated warrants on Feb. 20. MUPD continues its investigation into the incident.\n\nThe events of recent days have understandably caused fear and anxiety in our community. Safety and security continue to be our top priority. We encourage all students, faculty and staff to avail themselves of the safety resources and services offered by MUPD.\n\nThis arrest was the result of a comprehensive investigation, utilizing all available personnel and resources. These actions included allocating available mobile camera units to the affected area, a canvas of the neighborhood aided by the assistance of the Near West Side Partners neighborhood ambassadors, and additional resources and support provided through cooperation with the Milwaukee Police Department and other outside law enforcement agencies.\n\nFrom MUPD Police Chief Edith Hudson\n\n“I want to commend our team of officers for their commitment and dedication to identifying and taking this suspect into custody. Our entire team of police officers, detectives, communication officers and public safety officers worked around the clock to achieve this outcome, and I want to recognize the high level of police and detective work that they displayed.”\n\nMarquette University is grateful for the responsiveness and professionalism shown by our MUPD officers, as well as the partnership of other local and state law enforcement agencies, including MPD.\n\nMUPD reminds the campus community to lock all residence and car doors. If you observe any suspicious behavior or fear for your safety at any time, contact MUPD at (414) 288-1911 or through the mobile Blue Light feature on the Eagle Eye app. To utilize the mobile Blue Light feature, enable location services on your phone.", "isVerbatimConfirmed": true, "sourceUrl": "https://today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-update-arrest-made-in-feb-18-sexual-assault-and-armed-robbery/", "sourceDescription": "MUPD Safety Update: Arrest made in Feb. 18 sexual assault and armed robbery (Marquette Today)", "annotations": [ "Full official MUPD arrest Safety Update recovered from Marquette Today.", "Eight days between the initial Safety Alert and the arrest, slower than community expectations but proportionate to the investigative complexity of an early-morning, dark-clothing, fled-on-foot case", "Including 'Counseling and Title IX resources remain available' in the closing line is canonical Marquette practice and reflects how the university has standardized post-incident wellness referrals across alert closures since 2024" ], "characterCount": 1928 } ], "context": "Marquette University is a [private Jesuit R2 doctoral institution](https://www.marquette.edu/) in downtown Milwaukee with approximately 11,500 students. In February 2026, MUPD pushed at least two Safety Alerts in four days in the same general campus zone. On Sunday, February 15, an [unknown suspect shot and injured a 19-year-old non-Marquette-affiliated victim near the Milwaukee Public Library at 9th and Wisconsin](https://marquettewire.org/4017482/news/shooter-injures-man-at-9th-street-and-wisconsin-avenue/), with Straz Tower briefly placed on resident-assistant-announced lockdown. Three days later, at approximately 1:55 a.m. CST on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, a [Marquette student was sexually assaulted at gunpoint and robbed in the 900 block of N. 14th Street near W. Kilbourn Avenue](https://www.fox6now.com/news/marquette-armed-robbery-sexual-assault-021826), several blocks east of the February 15 shooting. MUPD pushed a Safety Alert at 2:35 a.m., extraordinarily fast for a 1:55 a.m. sexual-assault timely warning, and the next day released [suspect photos and video](http://today.marquette.edu/2026/02/mupd-safety-update-suspect-photos-and-videos-from-feb-18-2026-safety-alert/) recovered from MUPD's 1,200-camera virtual-patrol network. On Thursday, February 26, 2026, [MUPD announced an arrest](https://today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-update-arrest-made-in-feb-18-sexual-assault-and-armed-robbery/). The university convened a [Campus Safety Conversation](https://today.marquette.edu/2026/02/campus-leaders-address-safety-support-resources-at-campus-safety-conversation/) later in the month at which leadership detailed the response, including the relocation of two mobile camera units to the 14th Street corridor.", "keyFindings": [ "MUPD pushed the Safety Alert SMS at 2:35 a.m. CST, five minutes after the 2:30 a.m. incident, among the fastest documented timely-warning latencies for a Marquette sexual-assault report and a clear operational response to years of student-newspaper editorial pressure on overnight notification practices", "The February 18, 2026 sexual assault occurred in the 900 block of N. 14th Street near W. Kilbourn Avenue, several blocks from the 9th/Wisconsin intersection where a non-affiliated shooting victim was wounded three days earlier (February 15), making the broader campus zone MUPD's most-pressured Safety Alert geography in early 2026", "Marquette released suspect photos and video within 24 hours, directly leveraging the 1,200-camera virtual-patrol network, an unusually fast public-imagery release for a sexual assault case", "The combined-incident framing ('armed sexual assault and robbery') in the same Safety Alert is notable — Marquette historically split these for victim narrative dignity, but combined them here to reflect the investigative conclusion that one suspect committed both crimes" ], "sources": [ { "title": "Marquette Today Safety Alert Feb. 18, 2026", "url": "https://today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-alert-feb-18-2026-155-a-m/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Safety Update: Arrest made in Feb. 18 sexual assault and armed robbery (Marquette Today)", "url": "https://today.marquette.edu/alert/safety-update-arrest-made-in-feb-18-sexual-assault-and-armed-robbery/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "MUPD Safety Update: Suspect photos and videos from Feb. 18, 2026, Safety Alert (Marquette Today)", "url": "http://today.marquette.edu/2026/02/mupd-safety-update-suspect-photos-and-videos-from-feb-18-2026-safety-alert/", "type": "official-archive" }, { "title": "Armed sexual assault, robbery; Marquette University police investigate (FOX6 Milwaukee)", "url": "https://www.fox6now.com/news/marquette-armed-robbery-sexual-assault-021826", "type": "local-media" }, { "title": "Shooter injures man near 9th Street and Wisconsin Avenue (Marquette Wire)", "url": "https://marquettewire.org/4017482/news/shooter-injures-man-at-9th-street-and-wisconsin-avenue/", "type": "student-newspaper" }, { "title": "Campus leaders address safety, support resources at Campus Safety Conversation (Marquette Today)", "url": "https://today.marquette.edu/2026/02/campus-leaders-address-safety-support-resources-at-campus-safety-conversation/", "type": "official-archive" } ], "confidence": "high", "tags": [ "sexual-assault", "armed-robbery", "wisconsin", "private-r2", "marquette", "big-east", "mupd", "straz-tower", "wisconsin-avenue", "milwaukee", "jesuit", "predawn", "title-ix" ], "dateAdded": "2026-05-14", "lastUpdated": "2026-07-19", "addedBy": "ingestion" }