Warning issued to colleges about convicted sex offender
Sep 23, 2012, 8:37 AM | Updated: 8:38 am
SCOTTSDALE — College women throughout the Valley are a little more nervous this weekend.
A convicted sex offender with an extensive history of sexually assaulting girls is on the loose.
Authorities are trying to track down the man, identified as Brian K. Downing.
Officers told ABC15 that police departments not just in Arizona, but across the country, have no idea where he is.
There are concerns Downing could show up at Scottsdale Community College or any of the many colleges around the Valley.
It’s not believed police have a warrant for his arrest, but Downing has not checked in with authorities and his whereabouts are unknown.
In the past, police say Downing was found guilty of sexually assaulting three random women in Arizona.
He then moved to Oregon, where he sexually assaulted two more victims, including a 16-year-old girl.
Investigators say Downing’s history of repeated sexual assaults makes him very dangerous.
He is not allowed on college campuses, and female students are wondering what more their schools can do to protect them.
“What can the school do to protect us, because we do get out pretty late here and it is pretty dark,” wondered student Breeann Harger. “There are lights, but they obviously don’t help.”
Anyone with information on Downing is encouraged to contact police immediately.
Story written by Patrick Lancaster of ABC15
