Police search for URI groping suspect

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.—University of Rhode Island campus police and South Kingstown police are searching for a suspect they said groped seven women.

University and South Kingstown police said the incidents occurred Sunday during the school’s move-in days.

Four of the incidents occurred on the Kingston campus and three occurred at the Kingston Emporium, a retail plaza just east of the campus. None of the women reported any injuries.

“The university has taken numerous steps to protect our community, including police patrols and briefings with residence hall staff, a campus safety notice e-mailed to students, faculty and staff,“ said Robert Drapeau, URI director of public safety.

Police said the suspect is a white man in his late 20s to mid 30s.

Police said on the day of the incidents, the man was wearing a light blue t-shirt, dark-colored shorts, light-colored sneakers, sunglasses and a white necklace.

Police said the man is between 5-feet, 8 inches and 6-feet tall. He has closely cropped hair and an athletic build.

Anyone with information can call URI campus police at 401-874-2121.