STARKVILLE –The Starkville Police Department is searching for a man accused of trying to sexually assault a woman early Monday morning.
According to reports, at approximately 5:15 a.m., a woman jogging on University Drive was attacked by a college-age, dark-skinned black male at the bridge near Fire Station 1 and Stromboli”s. The man chased her from the intersection of Jarnigan Street and University Drive to the bridge, where he then forced her under the bridge and attempted to sexually assault her. The woman was able to escape and flag down a passerby, who drover her to the SPD to report the assault.
“She was very shaken up, very hysterical,” said SPD Lt. Troy Outlaw. “She had some scratches on her legs and her face was real swollen, according to my detectives.”
The victim, whose name was not released, said the attacker had medium-length hair, a mustache and medium build. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans and was last seen running east on University Drive toward Mississippi State University.
The victim told detectives the attacker didn”t use a weapon but did pick up a rock to try and hit her. The victim is not an MSU student, Outlaw said.
Outlaw was unsure if the victim was treated at a hospital. He said the scene was processed for any hair or skin that might help identify the attacker.
According to Outlaw, the victim had never seen the attacker. Additionally, the SPD hasn”t received calls about suspicious individuals harassing joggers in the area.
“Us getting out in the community and looking for him is what will usually get people coming up to us with tips,” Outlaw said. “It”s going to be tough, but the knowledge of the public will be very important.”
MSU Dean of Students Thomas Bourgeois said the MSU Police Department provides an escort on request through the Bully Patrol.
“Students should take every precaution for their personal safety and be alert to their surroundings at all times,” he said. “It is a good idea to have a ”buddy” along and to let someone know where you”ll be.”
Anyone with any information about the suspect in the incident is encouraged to contact Starkville Police Department at 662-323-4131, the Golden Triangle Crime Stoppers at 1-800-530-7151 or the Mississippi State University Campus Police at 662-325-2121.
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