MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — A man who had the appearance of a police officer sexually assaulted a University of Minnesota student early Sunday morning, according to police.
University of Minnesota Police issued the crime alert to students Sunday, saying that at approximately 2:15 a.m., the student was walking off campus near the intersection of 15th Avenue SE and 8th Street SE when she was approached by a suspect in a black SUV. The suspect cautioned the victim about walking alone and offered her a ride.
When the victim agreed and entered the vehicle, the suspect locked the doors of the SUV, drove to a remote location and sexually assaulted her, according to police.
The suspect is described as a black man between 23 and 27 years old with a medium build. He had short hair or a shaved head and a neatly trimmed chin-strap style beard. He was wearing a dark-colored jacket with a badge on it, dark pants and a security or police-style belt, police said.
The University of Minnesota crime alert originally reported that the suspect identified himself as a police officer, which Minneapolis Police now say was incorrect. They say the woman may have thought he was an officer based on what he was wearing.
The vehicle is described as a dark SUV with a dark interior and a computer screen in the center console.
Minneapolis Police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to call the Minneapolis Police Tip Line at 612-692-8477 and reference case number MP-13-391636.
The University of Minnesota Police urges students to not walk alone, be aware of surroundings and carry minimal valuables. For information on campus safety and security, click here.
