Berkeley 'spiked drinks' sex assaults investigation

Berkeley Police say no victims found yet, after tip call and campus alert about sexual assault and spiked drinks

Berkeley Police say investigators are following up on a tip call they received Saturday about a possible sexual assault and spiked drinks at a residence on the 2300 block of College Avenue. UC Berkeley put out an alert on the WarnMe system Tuesday. So far, Berkeley Police say they have been working with UC campus police and have not found any victims. They urge anyone who might have been assaulted to contact police and say there are resources on campus for sexual assault victims.

BERKELEY, Calif. - Berkeley police are investigating reports of possible sex crimes and assaults linked to "spiked drinks."

Police told KTVU Thursday that they received a call from a "third-party individual" on Saturday, reporting a disturbance on the 2300 block of College Avenue Friday night, just one block from UC Berkeley campus.

At this time, we have talked to individuals who were present, and no victims have been identified or have come forward to the Berkeley Police Department," a Berkeley police statement said.

"If it's a couple of days after, they are always encouraged to call us, even if it's after the fact," Officer Kajahna Futch, Berkeley Police Department spokesperson said.

Students were warned via UC Berkeley's Warnme system on Tuesday, which sends out important information to the Cal community about emergencies or crimes.

"It was actually in our group chat. We all sent it to each other because we were like, we wondered where it was because we live so close," Anica Terbijhe, a UC Berkeley student said.

The campus alert said that on Friday around 11:55 PM there were multiple incidents of sexual assault battery and aggravated assault via spiked drinks at a residence on the 2300 block of College Avenue.

"It didn't provide enough information. We were confused on what was happening, so we were trying to figure out if it was safe to walk over here," Terbijhe said.

"If I have a drink that has an open lid, like a bottle I can close then maybe I'll take it, but if it's a red Solo cup I don't really drink outside just cause you never know," Clara Madrano, a UC Berkeley student said. "I think it's a real problem that should be talked about more often."

Berkeley Police say if anyone has further information related to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Berkeley Police Department's Sex Crimes Detectives at 510-981-5724.

UC Berkeley also issued a message with resources:

Confidential Options:

The PATH to Care Center offers free and confidential support services and prevention initiatives for dating and domestic violence, sexual assault (including DFSA), stalking, and sexual harassment.

Their 24/7 Care Line at (510) 643-2005 is accessible whenever you need assistance.
Advocates can help understand rights and options, safety plans, provide urgent support, assist with reporting and medical options, and more.
Peer educators and professional staff offer workshops, trainings, and consultations on how to prevent DFSA and other forms of SVSH.

University Health Services