Tip, DNA leads police to suspect in Florida Memorial University rape
By CBS Miami Team
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MIAMI GARDENS, Florida (WFOR) — The Miami Gardens Police Department held a news conference on Wednesday morning to announce that they have identified a suspect they believe is tied to the rape of a Florida Memorial University student over the weekend.
The announcement comes one day after police said a person of interest was detained and taken into custody for questioning.
According to Miami Gardens police, detectives on Tuesday conducted an extensive area canvas and surveillance operation that involved an individual who matched the suspect’s description – a black male, wearing a black hoodie and black pants.
“We were very relentless,” Executive Officer to the Miami Gardens Police Chief Emmanuel Jenny said. “I can tell you that at the orders of the police chief, no one was going home until a suspect was in custody. And that is what happened.”
Later in the afternoon, police said they were notified about a tip to the Opa-locka Police Department regarding a suspicious person that matched the suspect’s description.
Investigators quickly responded to the scene, and the person was taken into custody for questioning.
Police say there may be more victims Miami Gardens police said that a DNA warrant was executed, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Crime Laboratory worked throughout the night to process the evidence.
At approximately 7 a.m. this morning, the lab confirmed a positive DNA match.
Based on that, the suspect was identified as 30-year-old Steven Rivers. Police said he had just been released from jail in December on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior.
Police said they remain committed to public safety and are encouraging residents and students to be aware of their surrounding and report any suspicious activity.
“I am pleased and I am very thankful to all the men and women working on this case at the police department,” Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt said. “Because if it wasn’t for them going out and doing all their canvassing and talking to individuals and staying on top of this, this would not have been the same end result.” Police Chief Delma Noel-Pratt said.
Investigators said that they believe that there may be additional victims.
President of Florida Memorial University issues statement after announcement After police made the announcement on Wednesday morning, the president of Florida Memorial University, William C. McCormick, Jr. MBA, issued a statement praising law enforcement.
“I am writing to share an important update regarding the incident that occurred early Sunday morning.
“Following a swift and comprehensive investigation conducted by the Miami Gardens Police Department, the individual responsible has been identified and taken into custody. We are grateful for their professionalism, urgency and partnership demonstrated by law enforcement in bringing this matter to resolution.
The safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff remain our highest priority. Florida Memorial University will continue to maintain heightened internal security protocols, including close coordination with local authorities, increased monitoring across campus, and reinforced safety procedures.
“As a campus community, I ask that we continue to look out for one another and remain vigilant, both on and off campus. Awareness, communication and collective responsibility are essential to sustaining a safe environment for all members of out FMU family.
“We are strongest when we stand together, care for one another, and remain committed to protecting the campus we call home.
“Thank you for your continued cooperation, resilience and trust.”
What happened at Florida Memorial University? Miami Gardens police said a student was raped on campus early Sunday morning. According to police, the victim, an international student from Colombia, was attacked after returning to campus from a bus stop on NW 42nd Avenue.
Police said that the suspect whistled at the victim before she sought safety by returning to school grounds, where campus security checked her ID and let her in.
However, police said the suspect jumped a campus wall, chased the victim, and then sexually assaulted her before fleeing.
Florida Memorial University students say more security is needed After word of the sexual assault spread on campus, several students CBS News Miami spoke with said more security was needed.
Adonis Clarke, a freshman at FMU, told CBS News Miami that he was shocked by the reported incident and demanded more security on campus.
We are here to be protected and they are not doing their job,” he said. “It’s crazy… they need to do a better job. This is not right. Especially at FMU — this is not the first incident to happen and they have to do better.”
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