A wave of crime at the University of Houston (UH) has sparked student protests following the release and subsequent re-arrest warrant for a man accused of sexual assault and robbery. Eric Latroy Brown, 40, now faces charges of aggravated assault and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon for the alleged attack on a woman in a campus parking garage on February 7th.
Brown was initially arrested near the scene on the day of the attack but was released on Saturday, February 9th, due to insufficient evidence on initial charges of resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer. This release sparked outrage and prompted student protests demanding increased security measures on campus. A new warrant has since been issued for Brown's arrest in connection with the sexual assault and robbery.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office clarified that a personnel shift occurred during the initial processing of Brown's case, leading to the dismissal of the initial charges. The sexual assault and robbery charges were filed later, and the DA's office is currently investigating the delay.
This incident follows a concerning spike in crime on the UH campus, with four sexual assaults, four robberies, and 13 thefts reported in February alone. This contrasts sharply with the crime statistics for all of 2023, which included 16 sexual assaults, four robberies, and 91 motor vehicle thefts. Three other crimes, including robberies, were reported near the same parking garage where the sexual assault occurred.
In response to the escalating crime and student concerns, UH has implemented increased security measures, including 24/7 patrols at the Welcome Center Garage, doubling security officers campus-wide, and stationing additional officers at parking garages, surface lots, and bike racks. The university has also convened a safety and security committee to develop long-term strategies for campus safety. They urge anyone with information about the recent crimes to contact UHPD.
