BREAKING: Student assaulted inside Commons 4, police say

A 20-year-old female student was assaulted early Saturday morning inside of Commons 4, police said. She was unharmed, and the suspect fled the scene.

The victim was reportedly about to walk into her residence in Commons 4 after her ride dropped her off at about 2:40 a.m. when she noticed she was being followed, University Police Spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky said. The victim, who was not intoxicated, pressed the handicapped entrance button, and the suspect followed her inside, Limansky said.

The 5 foot 9 inch tall suspect allegedly grabbed the student by her shoulders, wrapping his arms around her upper body, Limansky said. After a few moments of assaulting the victim, the suspect was reportedly startled for unknown reasons and fled the scene, police said.

"For whatever reason, he stopped committing the assault, and he left," Limansky said.

Police are looking for the suspect, who is described as a black male with a medium build and wearing a black hooded jacket and dark pants.

"Apart from the emotional distress, she was not physically hurt," Limansky said. "I would definitely stress the escort service to people. This was a perfect opportunity for that. Call us. We'll walk with you."

Limanksy said that after the assault, the female reportedly went to her residence, called a friend, and the two of them drove around the campus looking for a police officer to make the report. They found an officer near the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Lakeland Road around 4:15 a.m.

Limansky said in the event of an incident, police are more likely to find the suspect if an immediate report is filed.

egan@umdbk.com