Sex abuse arrest on USA's campus

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A South Alabama student is picked up by campus police after a young woman said he touched her inappropriately.

Officials said it happened just days after another student was robbed in a dorm laundry room. 

Just days after the University of South Alabama released a crime report showing some crime is on the decline, a 28-year-old USA student ends up in Mobile Metro jail.

Yaquoub Awaid Almehthel was charged with first degree sex abuse.

USA Police Chief Zeke Aull did not want to talk on camera but did describe the alleged crime to FOX10 News

Police Chief Aull said the incident happened in a residential area on campus. He also said, "The suspect knew the alleged victim, and it wasn't a stranger jumping out of the bushes."

Aull said Almehthel made unwanted sexual advances towards a fellow student in a dorm room, and the young woman told police.

This comes on the heels of a recent crime report that showed overall crime is on down, but still cases of robbery and motor vehicle thefts are up.

Despite the rise, students we spoke to feel safe.

"I try not to go out alone when it is dark, and I always tell my friends where I am," said Camille Cooper.

Other students said it could happen anywhere.

"There are arrests at Auburn, Alabama, and other places, too. It just happens, and it is sad," said Caroline Polska.

"I feel pretty safe. There is always trouble anywhere you go," said Jordan Greer. "You just have to take precautions to protect yourself."

That's why police urge students to exercise caution and report any suspicious or unwanted behavior which is what police said the female student did in this case.

Almehthel was released from Metro Jail Thursday morning.