Stanford University Police Launch Investigation After Armed Suspect Sexually Assaults Jogger On Campus

Stanford University police are investigating the sexual assault of a female jogger on Sunday evening. An armed suspect remains at large. Read the full report.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 4:30 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Stanford Daily

Violent Encounter Near Campus Housing

Stanford University officials are investigating a "heinous" sexual assault that occurred in the early evening hours of March 29, 2026. According to a campus wide alert sent by the Department of Public Safety (SUDPS) at 10:40 p.m., a female jogger was accosted at approximately 6:15 p.m. near the intersection of Mayfield Avenue and Santa Ynez Street. The victim reported that a man, armed with a firearm, grabbed her and pushed her into a landscaped area adjacent to a campus residence, where the assault took place. The incident was reported to law enforcement roughly two hours later at 8:25 p.m.

Detailed Suspect Description Released

The victim provided a specific description of the assailant to responding officers. The suspect is described as a clean shaven male with relatively dark skin, brown eyes, and short hair. While his exact age, height, and weight were not specified, he was reportedly wearing a light blue sweatshirt, dark jeans, and a thick, braided bracelet. Critically, the victim noted seeing a semi-automatic handgun tucked into the man’s waistband during the encounter. At this stage of the investigation, it is unclear if the victim or the perpetrator have any formal affiliation with the University.

University Response and Support Resources

In the wake of the report, Stanford University reiterated its zero tolerance policy regarding sexual misconduct and harassment. SUDPS included several resources in their alert for students and staff seeking confidential counseling or medical care. The University’s Title IX office and the Confidential Support Team (CST) have been mobilized to provide assistance to those affected by the news of the assault. "Stanford University does not tolerate sexual assault," SUDPS stated, emphasizing the priority of student safety on the Palo Alto campus.