Police probe alleged campus kidnapping, stabbing

University Police say a man who allegedly kidnapped a female student from campus remains in the Smith County Jail on a $750,000 bond.

At about 6 a.m. Sunday morning, William Fears, 22, entered the University Pines Apartments, 3333 Varsity Dr., and forced an 18-year-old woman to his car at knifepoint. The 18-year-old victim is Fears’ ex-girlfriend, police said.

University Police Chief, Mike Medders, said Fears did not drive into the gated premises, but entered the complex on foot.

“He did not force his way into the apartment,” Medders said. “He knocked on her door and she opened it. She didn’t know what his intentions were when she opened the door. From that point on, everything that happened was against her will.”

Fears drove the victim to a location east of Tyler where he allegedly stabbed her in the face, arms and legs. The victim escaped from Fears and fled back to campus and reported the incident to The University police. A University police officer later arrested Fears, who was charged with aggravated kidnapping and possession of marijuana.

“We are investigating the possession of marijuana but the Tyler Police Department is investigating the kidnapping,” Medders said.