The UTMB Police Department is issuing this Timely Warning Update for the Galveston Campus to enhance the safety awareness of the UTMB community.
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, at approximately 5:58 a.m., a UTMB employee was walking in the 600 block of Market Street in Galveston. when she was approached by an unknown male driving a 2010 Honda Accord (Texas license plate VFP 5124). The individual appeared to be attempting to solicit the employee by offering her money.
A uniformed UTMB police security officer who was in the area observed the interaction and intervened, allowing the employee to leave the scene safely. The individual then exited his vehicle and physically assaulted the security officer. After a brief physical altercation, the suspect returned to his vehicle and fled the area.
Before the suspect fled, the security officer was able to photograph both the suspect and the vehicle’s Texas license plate. Through a subsequent investigation, UTMB Police identified the suspect as Mark Anthony Johnson Jr.
UTMB Police obtained an arrest warrant charging Johnson with assault on a security officer, a third-degree felony under Texas law. Investigators, along with area law enforcement partners, are actively working to locate and arrest the suspect. The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The employee involved in this incident was not harmed, and the security officer suffered minor injuries.
With the suspect still at large, the UTMB Police Department has increased patrols. Anyone who observes the suspect is asked to immediately notify police. Additional safety tips are included below:
Safety Tips
- Remain aware of your surroundings, particularly during early morning and late evening hours, and, when feasible, walk in groups.
- If approached by an individual engaging in suspicious or unwanted behavior, move to a safe location immediately and contact UTMB Police.
- Use the UTMB Safe App, which offers several resources, including “Virtual Walk,” a feature that can be monitored in real time by dispatch telecommunicators to help ensure you reach your worksite or vehicle safely.
- Report any suspicious persons or activity to UTMB Police as soon as possible.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of the suspect is encouraged to contact the UTMB Police Department immediately at (409) 772-1111 or call 911 in the event of an emergency. The UTMB Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of the UTMB community and will provide updates as appropriate.