Paranoia ensued Tuesday night as Gainesville Police responded to a call near Sorority Row, but the incident was not related to the recent string of assaults on and near campus.
Two black males were observed acting suspicious near a motor scooter at 1000 SW Sixth Ave. After further observation, GPD Officer Dylan Hayes-Morrison believed the two men were trying to steal the scooter.
Officer Hayes-Morrison, who was working undercover, approached the individuals and identified himself as a law enforcement officer before the suspects fled south on foot.
The two individuals were apprehended by Hayes-Morrison and a fellow officer at 825 SW 11th St. and identified as juveniles, ages 14 and 15.
UF communications director Donna Winchester said the rumor control hotline received calls regarding the scooter incident Tuesday.
Following the string of assaults, students are encouraged to utilize official news sources for confirmation. She suggests using the UF website, the UPD and GPD’s websites and social media accounts.
“Things happen. There are always incidents, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s related to the assaults,” Winchester said.
Winchester said the rumor hotline has seen a decrease in its number of callers since the fourth attack Sunday, with Monday receiving the highest volume.
[A version of this story ran on page 3 on 9/11/2014 under the headline "Failed scooter theft sparks rumors"]
