MADISON, Wis. – A man has been arrested after a string of sexual assault attempts that occurred in the University of Wisconsin, Madison campus area.
Robert Rickaby, 23, allegedly assaulted as many as nine women around the campus and downtown Madison on Aug. 9, reports the Badger Herald. Police said the investigation started when three women reported being groped from behind during the early-morning hours. At least two of the women were assaulted on the UW campus, reports Channel3000.com.
The UW Police Department issued a text message informing the campus community of the chain of assaults shortly before 8:30 a.m. on Aug. 9. The suspect was arrested by 10:14 a.m. by the Madison Police Department (MPD) with the help of an unknown Good Samaritan.
Rickaby has been charged with sexual assault and false imprisonment. The week prior to the incidents, the suspect was charged with third-degree sexual assault. The MPD believes Rickaby’s alleged string of assaults is a result of his mental illness.