CONTACTS: Ken Koch, CUPD Deputy Chief, 303-598-6341, Ryan Huff, Media Relations, 303-818-7496
Editor’s Note: Deputy Chief Ken Koch and Good Samaritan Max Demby will hold a media availability at 11:30 a.m. today at the CU Police Department lobby, 1050 Regent Drive, on the CU-Boulder campus. Please contact Ryan Huff if you plan to attend.
from the CU-Boulder Police Department are continuing their investigation of a sexual assault that occurred on the CU-Boulder campus in the early morning hours of April 4, 2015. Andrew Bryant Souser, described as a 27-year-old Boulder transient, was initially arrested and charged with Sexual Assault and Attempting to Influence a Public Official. Subsequent investigation has resulted in the additional charges of Stalking and Harassment, for Souser’s attempted sexual contact of a second victim near the University Memorial Center less than one hour after the first assault. Souser remains in the custody of the Boulder County Jail.
During the initial assault outside of the Engineering Center, a Good Samaritan responded to the victim’s screams for help, and his quick, selfless response forced the suspect to flee the scene. That individual then escorted the victim home, ensuring her safety. CUPD officers arrested Souser shortly after the assault.
CUPD issued a press release that day, announcing Souser’s arrest and asking the unidentified Good Samaritan to contact police to aid in the investigation. That Good Samaritan, CU junior and accounting major Max Demby, saw media reports and contacted investigators to describe what occurred. Demby is also a Ralphie Handler who runs alongside the buffalo mascot on football game days.
“Max is a hero for the quick actions he took to prevent this assault from becoming far worse,” said CU-Boulder Police Chief Melissa Zak. “The university is repeatedly messaging to students that they need to be effective bystanders in a variety of situations. Max did that. His actions, as well as the courage of the victims in this investigation, reflect the greatest values of our students in caring for one another and having the courage to act and report to law enforcement. They are all deserving of credit and admiration.”
All available evidence in this investigation continues to indicate Souser was acting alone. However, CUPD still suspects additional victims may exist. CUPD is working with the Boulder Police Department, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office and the Boulder County District Attorney’s Office in seeking the public’s help to identify other victims or witnesses who Souser may have approached over the past two months. Anyone with tips should contact Det. Sgt. Steve Cowles at 303-492-2112.
Since the investigation is ongoing, CUPD is not releasing Souser’s booking photograph.