UPDATE: The Chapel Hill Police Department shared a release saying officers arrested and charged Usiel Cabrera Gamboa of Chapel Hill on Thursday as a suspect in a series of “inappropriate touching” incidents. The 21-year-old Gamboa faces four counts of sexual battery and four counts of assault on a female.

Police said their investigation into a pair of reports near the Meadowmont community in Chapel Hill led them to Gamboa. The investigators learned of a third, similar incident that happened on Monday, March 11 along W. Barbee Chapel Road. Gamboa’s first appearance in court for the charges is scheduled for 9 a.m. on April 15.

Below is the original story published on Monday, March 18.


The Chapel Hill Police Department said it is investigating two reports of “inappropriate touching” that occurred around the Meadowmont community in the last week , and responding by increasing officer patrols.

A release from the department on Monday said a woman victim reported being touched by a man while on the Meadowmont Trail near Sprunt Street at 8:13 a.m. The incident came after a similar one reported on Wednesday, March 13 at 9:45 a.m. in the same area. Police said neither victim reported injuries from their encounter.

Chapel Hill investigators said the suspect in both incidents is described as 5-foot-9 with a slim build. The man was reportedly wearing dark sweatpants, a dark hoodie, and a blue surgical-style face mask.

As a result, police said officers will have more patrols around Meadowmont Lane and Sprunt Street

The Chapel Hill Police Department is increasing patrols in the area of Meadowmont Lane and Sprunt Street. The Department is investigating two reports of a man inappropriately touching women on the Meadowmont Trail near Sprunt Street. Anyone who may have information about the incidents, or experiences something similar, are encouraged to call 911 in an emergency. Additionally, information can be shared by calling the Chapel Hill Police Department directly during business hours (919-968-2760) or by using the Chapel Hill-Carrboro-UNC CrimeStoppers hotline (919-942-7515) and website.


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