Student sexually assaulted near Hilltop

By: Kala Kachmar

Posted: 9/8/08

A UConn student was sexually assaulted and threatened with a weapon early Saturday morning in a wooded area near Hilltop Apartments, UConn police said.

The assault occurred around 1:50 a.m., after a male perpetrator approached the female victim from behind as she was walking along the sidewalk to the east of Hilltop Apartments near Alumni Drive, according to police.

The perpetrator threatened the victim with a weapon and the assault took place in the woods adjacent to the walkway.

Witnesses who encountered the victim shortly after the incident said that the victim alleged she was raped by a male attacker who threatened that he had a gun.

No arrests have been made.

UConn police will be increasing patrols in remote areas of campus, according to a press release. Police will be canvassing pedestrians for information that may be related to this crime.

"We have every confidence in the police that they'll be able to solve this case," said UConn spokeswoman Karen Grava. "Our thoughts are with the victim and [her] family."

UConn Police issued a crime alert e-mail late Saturday afternoon, notifying the UConn community of the situation. The e-mail also warned students to be "cautious and aware of surroundings," and advised students to walk in well-lit areas, walk in groups and utilize the shuttle bus system or the Husky Watch escort service.

If anyone has any information about this case, call UConn Police at 486-4800.