Suspect arrested in sexual assault on ASU campus in Tempe

PHOENIX — A suspect was arrested Friday in connection with a sexual assault on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe earlier this month, authorities said.

Eric Bell, 30, was taken into custody at about 8 a.m. at his residence in Mesa, ASU Police Chief Michael Thompson said during a press conference.

Detectives matched a DNA sample from the crime scene to Bell, who was booked on charges of sexual assault, kidnapping and more.

Bell has an “extensive criminal history” and a “history of violence” in Ohio, according to Thompson.

“Tireless work from ASU Police Department detectives uncovered crucial evidence that helped us determine the suspect was Eric Bell,” Thompson said.

The incident occurred Oct. 17 between the ASU Packard parking structure at Scottsdale Road and Rio Salado Parkway and the Hyatt House Tempe near Rural Road and University Drive.

Bell allegedly grabbed a woman from behind and held a metal knife-like object to her throat, police said.

Bell then took the victim to an unknown location near the Packard parking structure where he sexually assaulted her before pressing a gun-like object into her back and leaving the area on foot, authorities said.

No other information was available.

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