Video: Student assaulted on trail near St. Martin's University

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LACEY, Wash. - Lacey police have increased patrols around St. Martin's University after a woman reported she was sexually assaulted Wednesday evening on a trail on the campus.

The woman was attacked at about 6 p.m. on a trail that circles the campus.

"He attacked her and took her to the ground and she was sexually assaulted," said Lt. Jim Mack.

Police say the man fled on foot, southbound through the campus after the attack.

"I don't believe that the suspect actually targeted a student. I believe that it was an opportunity. He saw somebody in a wooded area and targeted that person," said Mack.

Police say the suspect is described as being a white man in his 50s, 6 feet tall with a thin build and salt-and-pepper hair in a "buzz cut." He was wearing a blue vest, dark blue shirt, blue jeans and hiking boots.

Lacey Police

A woman says a man matching this sketch sexually assaulted her in the wooded area on the outskirts of the St. Martin's University campus in Lacey, Wash. on Wednesday, April 2, 2008.

Mack said the trail on university property is used by students as well as the general public.

Someone who heard the student scream got a look at the suspect and gave police a description. Police are expected to release a sketch.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact the Lacey Police Department Detective Division at 360 459-4333, or Crime Stoppers at 360 493-2222.

Police are advising women to always carry a cell phone and walk with a friend.