A female student reported being attacked and sexually assaulted while she was jogging near the Sooner Hotel cottages Monday evening, according to an OU Department of Public Safety report.

The victim was running alone when it was still light outside on a route that is used by many joggers on campus. According to the report, the suspect approached her and asked for directions. Then he grabbed her arm and dragged her behind the cottages.

The report said the victim said she tripped over a branch or tree root and fell. The suspect then pinned her to the ground. The victim was able to escape when a white sport utility vehicle drove by and possibly scared off the suspect, the report said.

OUDPS Lt. Bruce Chan said the victim did not need medical attention. The suspect was a black male. He was clean shaven and wore a ball cap, an olive colored T-shirt and dark pants. The suspect was described as about 5 foot 8 inches to 6-foot tall with a chunky build and 25 to 35 years old, Chan said.

OU President David Boren said in a statement he has asked for increased patrol.

"I have ordered stepped up OU police patrols and surveillance in the OCCE area where this attack occurred, as well as increased surveillance in the parking lots where cars recently have been vandalized," Boren said.

Chan said the incident is highly unusual. The attack occurred during bright day light. In addition, he said it happened in a open area. There are a few large trees, but the area is landscaped. The victim was running on the street or sidewalk when she was attacked.

Abduction in an open field is very unusual on campus and has not occurred in recent years, Chan said. Rapes and sexual assaults on campus are often acquaintance incidents, he said.

He said it is too early to say whether the woman was a particular target or the suspect attacked her by random chance. Chan said an officer is investigating the incident.

To prevent further incidents, all students walking or jogging on campus should be aware of their surroundings and if possible not run alone, Chan said.

University College freshman Lindsey Vedros said when the weather is nice, she runs three or four times a week. She usually goes with a friend, but when no one is available she has gone by herself, she said.

Vedros said overall the campus seems safe, but she is aware of potential danger. She said she never runs after dark.

"I sometimes run and think 'what if someone is behind me,'" she said.

Vedros said it is hard to say what she would do if she was attacked. She said it is a situation where one doesn't know how to react until she is faced with it.

"I don't know if I would freeze or scream and fight the situation," she said.

Debbie Marshall-Gill, coordinator of education at the Women Resource Center, said people should be cautious. She said taking a self-defense course can be helpful.
hello there & you too