Female alleges rape on campus

A female JMU student allegedly was raped in an undetermined location between Port Republic Road and Mr. Chips convenience store early Sunday morning, according the JMU Police Department.

The attack occurred between 1 and 1:30 a.m. Sunday, according to police records. The incident was reported at 4 a.m.

The victim stated that she was returning to a university residence from an apartment complex along the Port Republic Road corridor. As she walked toward campus, a male subject followed her across the Interstate 81 overpass, according to a warning issued by JMU Police.

As the suspect approached from behind, he offered to assist her back to her residence. When the two reached an area with trees, the victim alleged that the suspect removed her clothing, pushed her to the ground and raped her, the report said.

The suspect is described as a white male, possibly having light brown hair and wearing jeans and a dark-colored sweatshirt. A composite sketch of the suspect has not yet been compiled.

"It can be assumed that conditions continue to exist that may pose a threat to … the community," JMU Police said.

JMU spokesman Andy Perrine said, "We ask that folks don’t go anywhere without an escort."

— from staff reports