Shepherd University police are investigating a sexual assault against a female student on campus that was reported at approximately 8 p.m. yesterday according to John McAvoy, university police chief.
“She was approached from behind, a hand was placed over her mouth and (she) was forced to the ground and touched inappropriately,” McAvoy said during a phone interview late Sunday night.
The victim agreed to speak to The Picket on the condition of anonymity.
“I was walking on the sidewalk behind Shaw Hall when I saw his shadow behind me and I got paranoid. He started walking really fast, grabbed me, immediately covered my mouth with his hand and pushed me to the ground,” the victim said.
The victim reports that the suspect pressed his hand hard against her face, pushing her down on her left side.
“He reached down under my coat, under my shirt and under my pants,” the victim said.
According to the victim a brief struggle took place at which time she was able to free his hand from her face and scream for help.
“I got his hand off and screamed for help. He took off,” the victim said.
McAvoy said that the suspect ran back in the direction of the Butcher Center.
“It took a minute for me to realize what happened,” the victim said.
The victim was carrying her student identification, cell phone, door and car keys. After the incident, the victim ran to the front of Shaw Hall where she called police.
The victim was concerned that the suspect took her ID card and keys, but with the help of the arriving police officers, they were recovered shortly after in the area of the incident.
“I feel like if it was his intent to rape me, it was right behind Shaw (Hall); people could have seen right outside the windows,” the victim said.
“I was really happy I didn’t get raped and he didn’t get my card and know who I am,” the victim said.
The suspect was described as a male in his mid-20’s, tan skinned, and wearing dark jeans.
“I didn’t see his face, but he looked tan and had whiskers on his upper lip,” the victim said. “He had on black gloves.”
According to the victim, an ambulance was called to the scene and she was evaluated, but was not transported.
“The only injuries I have are my right knee is scrapped and bleed a little and small marks around my collar bone,” the victim said.
“University police chief McAvoy was a big help,” the victim said.
“We don’t have a suspect…but we have avenues to explore,” McAvoy said.
McAvoy said that they received a number of tips in response to the Rave Alert and they are following up on those leads.
Shepherdstown Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department are assisting university police with this investigation, according to McAvoy. He continued that the sheriff’s office is stepping up patrol around the campus.
“We appreciate all the cooperation to the Rave Alert,” McAvoy said.
The victim is a traditional student, according to McAvoy.
Additional information and updates on the incident will be provided on the university website, according to McAvoy.
Follow Todd Bowman on Twitter: @todd_bowman87.