Student Taken Into Custody by UAPD

By University Communications February 25, 2009

Sophomore Sarah Tatum was taken into custody by UAPD detectives upon release from University Medical Center, and booked into the Pima County Jail.

University of Arizona sophomore Sarah E. Tatum, 19, was taken into custody Wednesday morning after being released from a medical facility. She will be charged with attempted first degree murder and child abuse. Tatum was taken into custody by University of Arizona Police Department detectives upon release from University Medical Center, and booked into the Pima County Jail. Investigation is continuing.

On Feb. 23, 2009 at approximately 5:40 p.m., UAPD officers arrived at Arizona-Sonora residence hall, located at 940 E. 5th Street, after being dispatched to a medical assist call for Tatum, who lives in the hall. Upon arrival, officers determined that Tatum had given birth to a male infant. Tucson Fire Department responded and transported Tatum and the infant to a medical facility for treatment and evaluation.

Tatum has been placed on interim suspension from the UA, which means that she is not permitted on the UA campus until the suspension is lifted. She was placed on suspension because she has been charged with commission of a violent crime.

Following the incident, UA Student Affairs promptly responded to ensure that the residents of the Arizona-Sonora residence hall and appropriate student groups were made aware of the resources available to them.

Counseling and Psychological Services, Life and Work Connections, the Dean of Students Office, Residence Life, and other UA departments have all reached out to Arizona-Sonora students and staff to help them work through this situation.

The Dean of Students Office and the UA Parents & Family Association has responded to parent inquiries and will continue communicating with parents to ensure they know that the full resources of the UA are available to support students, employees and parents.