Treon Harris accused of assault

ByABC News
October 6, 2014, 1:13 PM

— -- Florida Gators freshman backup quarterback Treon Harris is under investigation after he was accused of sexually assaulting a female student on campus early Sunday morning, the school announced Monday.

The University of Florida Police Department and the Gainesville Police Department are working together to assist with the collection and analysis of forensic evidence, according to the school statement.

The Gainesville Police Department said in a statement that it wouldn't have an active role in the filing of any charges because jurisdiction lies with the UFPD.

The alleged incident took place inside a residence hall on campus at 3 a.m. Sunday, according to police. A GPD forensics crime unit truck was parked outside the residence hall Monday afternoon.

Harris has been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.

"We have no tolerance for sexual assault on our campus," UF president Bernie Machen said in a statement. "The university is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for every member of the UF community. We must strive to protect all of our students from sexual harassment and assault, and do everything in our power to promote a safe learning environment."

Harris will be represented by attorney Huntley Johnson.

"We are representing him and we are cooperating with the investigation," Johnson said. "I am hopeful that he will never be arrested [regarding this case]."

A UPD spokesman said his department is working on the incident report and that it won't be available "for quite some time."

Multiple media outlets reported that the team would be told of the incident during Monday's practice.

Harris, who had relieved struggling starter Jeff Driskel near the end of the third quarter of Saturday's game at Tennessee, rallied the Gators to a 10-9 victory against the Volunteers.

Harris, a 5-foot-11, 190-pounder from Miami Booker T. Washington High School, was in position to be named the starter Monday, but Florida canceled its weekly media available with coach Will Muschamp because of the investigation involving the freshman.

Harris has completed 4 of 6 passes this season for 165 yards and two scores.

Mark Schlabach, Brett McMurphy and Jeff Barlis of ESPN.com and The Associated Press contributed to this report.