Person of interest detained in Florida Memorial University sexual assault investigation

Miami Gardens Police, working alongside Opa-locka Police, detained a man along Northwest 164th Street, less than a mile from Florida Memorial University's campus Tuesday, following a reported sexual battery involving a student.

CBS News Miami cameras were rolling as officers handcuffed the man near the scene. Police have not yet announced whether charges have been filed.

According to Miami Gardens Police, the incident began Sunday when a Florida Memorial University student reported she was at a bus stop in front of the campus when a man allegedly catcalled her. Police say the man then hopped a fence, followed her onto campus, and sexually battered her inside a dormitory.

Residents describe growing concerns

The incident has shaken nearby residents, some of whom say they had already noticed suspicious behavior in the area.

"I was very livid," said resident Myya Passmore. "I am personally a sexual assault survivor from when I was 16, so this kind of triggered something in me where I wanted to ensure that safety measures were in place in the neighborhood."

On Tuesday, Florida Memorial University's president announced additional security measures, including increased patrols, more staff at campus entrances, and improved lighting across campus.

Students react to suspect's arrest

On the FMU campus, there was a swift reaction to the arrest.

"Knowing they found the person, I feel safe," said Melina Davila, a freshman. "It shows they care about the students. I feel relief because I hope this won't happen to any other student. I think not knowing was a little unsettling. We feel terrible. No woman should have to feel like that in America."

"I feel relieved to an extent just knowing that the campus is doing what they need to do to find out what happened," said Jordyn Felix, a sophomore, "but I don't feel relieved knowing that they are busy trying to patrol inside the school when he came from the perimeter outside the school, and I am worried about that."

Neighbors call for wider patrols

Passmore says conversations about safety concerns were already underway before the incident among residents.

"We were already in conversation before this incident happened about an individual that was just suspicious," she said.

Neighbors are now calling for a stronger police presence beyond the campus itself.

"We matter. We want protection," Passmore added. "We want you to patrol our area, not just when crime happens."

Police praise relentless work

Emmanuel Jenny, the executive officer to the police chief, said investigators pushed aggressively to make the arrest. 

"We were very relentless," 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."

Police Chief Delma Noel‑Pratt also credited the officers who canvassed the area and tracked down leads. 

"I am pleased," she said, "and I am very thankful to all the men and working on this case at the police department because 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."

Noel‑Pratt urged residents to take precautions when out in the community. 

"I am always saying that people need to be vigilant and walk with other people," Noel‑Pratt said. "Don't walk alone. Make sure you go where there is proper lighting and don't go in dark areas because these are crimes of opportunity."