On September 4, 2016 at 8:35am, the University Police Department received a report of a past indecent assault and battery that occurred during the early hours of September 3, 2016. Following an investigation UMPD arrested Samuel Texidor, age 18, of 130 St. Kolbe Drive Holyoke, MA Texidor is being charged with Indecent Assault and Battery. The investigation revealed on September 3, 2016 at approximately 3:30am Texidor approached the female victim (a current UMass student) off campus and identified himself as an UBER driver. Texidor then offered the victim a free ride from Townhouse Apartments to North Apartments, located on campus. During this drive the victim was indecently assaulted by the suspect outside of North Apartments. The victim demanded that Texidor stop the vehicle, which he did and she was able to exit at that time.
UMPD is actively investigating this case, there are indications the suspect may have approached others to offer free rides, bypassing the UBER registration process. Texidor was driving a 2014 Black Dodge Charger with Mass. Registration plates 5SV875 at the time of these incidents. Anyone with information that may relate to this type of behavior is encouraged to contact UMPD at (413)-545-2121, the anonymous tip line at (413) 577-TIPS (8477) or by using the UMPD anonymous witness form at: https://www.umass.edu/umpd/anonymous-witness-form.
The suspect was arraigned at Belchertown District Court on Tuesday September 6, 2016 and is being held without a right to bail.
The following are suggested personal safety tips:
- Verify UBER driver credentials against the confirmation you receive from the service before entering a UBER vehicle. When you're matched with a driver, you will see their name, license plate number, photo, and rating --- so you know who is picking you up.
- Customer requests via the app. is the recommended way to engage the UBER service.
- Remain aware of your surroundings as you walk on and off campus. Although the UMass campus is safe, it is always helpful to walk with someone when possible.
- Trust your instincts, if you feel uneasy or sense something is wrong, get away and call for assistance. Be alert, if you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area.
- When you go out, let a friend or roommate know where you will be and when you will return.
- Avoid walking alone at night. Use the UMass Walking Escort Service or the PVTA campus shuttle.
- If you are out after dark, use only well-lit routes. Walk near the curb and avoid passing close to shrubs, dark doorways, and other hiding places.
- Don't leave a social event with someone you've just met or don't know.
- Perpetrators are responsible for sexual assaults. Perpetrators take advantage of vulnerability and seek opportunities to commit sexual assaults.
A current photo of Samuel Texidor is attached below.
Posted:
Sep 6, 2016, 3:16 pm
Last Updated:
Sep 9, 2016, 9:40 am