Officials: Student Sexually Assaulted On Campus At Fairfield University

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) - A Connecticut college town was on alert late Tuesday after a sexual assault on the campus of Fairfield University.

As CBS2's Lou Young reported, the attack happened Monday night on the campus in Fairfield. A day later, students remained fearful.

Fairfield University is a Jesuit school with more than 5,000 students and a picturesque campus, just off the Connecticut Turnpike. But it was the scene of the unthinkable just before 11 p.m. Monday, when the on-campus student was attacked on a footpath between the library and the Bannow Hall science building.

"The victim was walking from one building to another and apparently was lured into the woods," said Fairfield Deputy Chief Chris Lyddy. "Somehow, she ended up off the path and into a slightly wooded area adjacent to the path."

Police said the assailant, described as a white man around 40 years old, punched the student in the face and then sexually assaulted her.

The student was taken to St. Vincent's Medical Center for treatment, the university said.

The campus was hardly deserted at the time of the attack, students said.

"It was Monday night at 10:45; kids are walking around from the library; doing anything," said Fairfield University sophomore Casey Smith. "It just kind of shows that rape will happen, or sexual assault will happen, regardless of the situation."

University officials notified students of the attack via the campus alert system, university spokeswoman Jen Anderson said.

Town and campus police have stepped up patrols, and students have been cautioned to walk in pairs in a buddy system. This was the first sexual assault involving a stranger at the school in recent memory, and it was on everyone's mind Tuesday.

"I usually to the library with someone; make sure I go back with them," said Fairfield University sophomore Monica Willson.

"I don't know how this happened, honestly," said Fairfield University freshman Emily Paik. "It's hard for all of us to understand."

It appeared that the attacker was an intruder to the campus, but even that is an assumption.

"All we know really is that it was a male in his 40s," Lyddy said. "We have no further description."

CBS2 is told the victim is back on campus being counseled, and that her physical injuries were not serious. But with such a vague description of her attacker, and the lack of arrests, students were advised to remain on guard for the foreseeable future.

Fairfield, Connecticut is also home to Sacred Heart University, where students were also advised to use caution.

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