Safety Update: Man Arrested for Attempted Sexual Assault

A suspect arrested by UT Police in an assault over the weekend is now wanted in a second similar incident that occurred last week. 

The first incident took place at about 7 p.m. on Friday, August 6, 2021. An MD Anderson employee contacted 9-1-1 and reported that she was walking on Holcombe Blvd. when a man grabbed her from behind as they crossed paths. She was able to break free and rushed to her vehicle in TMC Lot M. The man followed, exposing his genitals, and masturbating. Once inside her vehicle, the man continued to taunt and menace the woman as she called for police. 

The male ran off when someone approached the parking lot. The Houston Police Department responded to the scene and filed a report. 

UT Police was notified about the incident the next day, and a Timely Warning notification was subsequently issued to MD Anderson and UTHealth workforce members and students. The suspect was described as a white or Hispanic male, with a beard and a white shirt with "Seek Medicare" on the front or back of the shirt.   

The second incident was reported at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 7. UT Police officers responded to a business in the 1700 block of S. Braeswood Blvd. in reference to an MD Anderson visiting Ph.D. student who reported being assaulted. The victim was able to provide a description of the suspect and officers located a man matching that description less than a block away. The suspect, 23-year-old Joe John Estrada, was arrested by UT Police on a charge of Assault, Bodily Injury. He was released on bond within 24 hours of his arrest. 

After UT Police met with the complainant in the first incident on Monday, August 9, Estrada was identified as the suspect. UT Police was able to obtain a warrant against Estrada on the charge of Attempted Sexual Assault. At this time, efforts to apprehend Estrada are ongoing by UT Police. 

Anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents or have knowledge of a similar type of crime is urged to contact UT Police at (713) 792-2890. 

We encourage our community to be vigilant at all times, on or off our campus. If you see any suspicious persons or vehicles, contact UT Police at (713) 792-2890. 

UT Police offers virtual General Campus Safety classes most Wednesdays and upon request. Register through our Campus Safety webpage or contact utphoutreach@mdanderson.org. 

Participate in Your Safety 

• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you – especially if you are alone or it is dark. Avoid using headphones, cellphones or other mobile devices while walking, driving or jogging. 
• There is safety in numbers; use walkways that are heavily traveled. When facing a safety concern, call UT Police to request an escort to get you safely to your vehicle. 
• If someone in a vehicle stops and asks for directions, answer from a distance. Do not approach the vehicle. 
• Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable in a place or situation, leave right away. 

• If you see any suspicious persons or vehicles, contact UT Police immediately at 713-792-2890.