Woman assaulted near IU campus

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (WISH) - Bloomington Police need your help looking for a man they said assaulted a woman near the IU Campus early Monday morning.

Police are not sure if the woman is a student at IU, but said she has an out of state license.

Bloomington investigators said the victim suffered a cut to her neck and welt to her forehead. It could have been worse, but the victim was prepared to defend herself.

Investigators said the victim was leaving a popular bar near campus on her way home. Police say she was just a few blocks away when the assault happened.

Bloomington police were called to the intersection of 7th and Grant Streets to investigate the assault. Police said the 21 year-old victim was approached by a man looking for directions. She attempted to ignore him, but investigators say that's when the suspect attacked her.

"He stepped in front of her, grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the ground and attempted to remove some of her clothing," said Bloomington Police Capt. Joe Qualters.

Capt. Qualters said the victim sprayed her attacker with pepper spray and was able to get away and call for help.

"He was able to remove her leggings and at least partially remove the leggings and pull down her underwear," he said.

News of the assault has students worried about recent crime near campus.

"You're always concerned when you hear things like that," IU Senior Katie Lieske.

"We believe that we're in a bubble here in college and that bad things can't happen and they obviously can," said IU Senior Zoe Engel.

Lieske lives near where the assault happened. She said you always have to be smart when walking alone at night.

"She was lucky she was carrying mace; my dad always makes me bring mine too, but I think it's more important to call someone and have them walk you home," Lieske said.

Bloomington Police said the town and campus are safe, but are stressing to people to use a buddy system when walking in the dark.

"Everyone, boys and girls alike need to be more aware and take care of ourselves and take care of each other," Engel said.

Bloomington police said this is the first sexual assault they've had near campus since school started. Because of the incident, they plan to have extra police patrols out in the area. If you recognize the suspect, you're asked to call Bloomington Police at (812) 339-4477.

Police said the type of pepper spray the victim used was a type that releases a purple stain so they say the suspect should have some stain on him.

If this case sounds so familiar to the Lauren Spierer case, it does. Bloomington investigators are working around the clock to see if this suspect could be connected to the case.