No Arrest in University City Sexual Assault

A man taken into custody Tuesday night has no connection to the violent sexual assault of a woman in the University City area over the weekend, NBC 7 has learned.

The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) received several tips around 6:34 p.m. Officers set up a perimeter in the canyon area near Gilman Drive and Via Alicante. Units combed the area, searching for a possible suspect.

Police say a man ran from officers when they arrived and he was taken into custody for resisting arrest and possibly being under the influence of a controlled substance. 

Initially, officers said the man matched the description of the suspect in the sexual assault. They would only characterize him as a person of interest at the time of his arrest.

However, early Wednesday, San Diego Police Capt. Brian Ahearn told NBC 7 there is no connection between the man and the crime. Ahearn said they are still investigating possible leads in the case.

A woman was assaulted at the Venetian Condominiums on Nobel Drive Saturday night.

The woman had been dropped off outside the complex around 10:30 p.m. and was walking to her apartment when she thought someone was following her.

Before the victim could unlock her door, the man knocked her to the ground and asked her for money at gunpoint. After giving him the money, the woman was dragged into her apartment where police say she was beaten and sexually assaulted.

On Tuesday, the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) also issued a community alert to its students and staff.

One resident, who asked not to be identified, said she's scared to be out alone after this incident.

"I'm pretty nervous to just go to school by myself tomorrow and walk around alone," the woman said.

Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $1000. 

Police say the victim remains in the hospital.

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