UAPD ARRESTS RAPE SUSPECT, INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - On Tuesday morning, 01/25/00, at approximately 12:14 a.m., University of Arkansas police officers were summoned to Gibson Hall by a 19-year-old student from Prescott, Ark. who reported that she had been raped by an acquaintance.

The alleged rape occurred late Saturday night 01/22/00 or early Sunday morning 01/23/00 at the victim's room in the residence hall.

Gayle Alan Sanford, III, 20, a Fayetteville resident who is not a UA student, was located in a computer lab on campus. He was subsequently interviewed by UAPD officers and placed under arrest at approximately 3:30 a.m. and booked into Washington County Jail on charges of rape and false imprisonment.

At the time of the alleged rape, Mr. Sanford had been visiting the victim in her residence hall room but refused to leave when told to do so. He also refused to allow the victim to leave.

When located and placed under arrest, Mr. Sanford attempted to fight with officers, resulting in additional charges of resisting arrest, terroristic threatening, and disorderly conduct.

Investigation of the incident is ongoing. Anyone who has had contact with the suspect that may lead to additional information pertaining to the investigation is asked to call the University of Arkansas Police Department.