University police investigating reported attack

Submitted by Carla Browning
Phone: 907-474-7778
08/14/08

A woman reported to UAF police on Wednesday that a man had assaulted her on the stairway leading to campus from the Alumni Drive/College Road intersection. Police said the woman reported that she was walking down the stairs at about 7 p.m. when the man came up behind her, choked her and left her unconscious. Robbery does not appear to be a motive, police said.

According to police, three witnesses reported seeing a woman lying down about halfway down the stairs. Witness also reported seeing a man running from the area at the bottom of the stairs. The witnesses described the man as African-American, approximately 20 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and wearing dark clothing with a black do-rag on his head. He was last seen heading toward the intersection of College Road and University Avenue.

All local law enforcement agencies were informed of the incident shortly after it was reported. University Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 474-7721.

Police are reminding people to be aware of their surroundings as they travel around campus. All campus phones and pay phones have 911 access. In addition, emergency phones throughout campus are marked with blue lights and link directly to campus dispatch. Community Service Officers are also available to escort people to vehicles or buildings on campus. Call 474-7721 for an escort. You must have photo identification and the CSO may be on foot or in a vehicle.

CONTACT: UAF Police Chief Sean McGee at 907-474-6215. Carla Browning, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7778 or via e-mail at carla.browning@uaf.edu.

CJB/8-14-08/017-09