Watch CBS News

Seton Hall Student Sexually Assaulted On Campus

SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. (CBS 2/ 1010 WINS) -- A New Jersey college campus was on high alert Wednesday night after a student was attacked and sexually assaulted.

On the campus of Seton Hall University, there's reason for concern, reports CBS 2's John Slattery.

"I feel absolutely horrible for this girl, and it could literally happen to anyone at any time," student Jackie Wood said.

A first- or second-year female student, who lives on campus, was sexually assaulted at around 11 p.m. Tuesday just after she left the main library for her dorm, police said.

Podcast

1010 WINS Reporter Terry Sheridan talks with students on campus

"She was at the library and when she returned from the library, she was accosted by an unknown male," South Orange Police Captain Kyle Kroll said.

School officials said the man asked to walk with the woman. When she resisted, he forced her into a nearby parking lot.

"She encountered this individual, and the sexual assault took place right after that," Capt. Kroll said. "From what we understand, there wasn't much conversation again."

Police said there was more than fondling – that there was penetration – and then the man got into a nearby car and drove off.

"The car is described as a four-door sedan; she believes, the victim believes it was an early model 2000, possibly Chevy or Toyota…dark color," Capt. Kroll said.

Police described the attacker as black man, 20 to 21 years old, about 6-foot-2 with a muscular build. He was clean-shaven and had short hair, and was wearing a dark-colored crew neck shirt and dark pants.

The violent crime has become the talk of the school.

"The library is literally like a two-minute walk from our dorm," student Alex Pigna said. "It's just scary to think that, within that time, you can get hurt like that."

"I definitely will think twice about walking alone on campus," added student Jenna Mason.

"It's shocking, but there's been a lot of crime around campus, including the shooting that was months ago," student Rob Migliavacco told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez. "So you kind of have to realize it's a dangerous place, and you've got to take precautions."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.