Female Student Assaulted On McDaniel Campus

WESTMINSTER, Md. (WJZ) -- Students at a Carroll County college are on alert after a sexual assault occurs on campus. Police are still searching for the suspect.

Tracey Leong has the reaction from students.

A student was attacked around 1:40 a.m. Sunday morning at McDaniel College. Earlier this month, there were several armed robberies. Students tell WJZ the rise in crime has them concerned.

A female student was grabbed and fondled from behind as she was walking alone through the McDaniel College quad. It's an assault that has many students on edge.

"I felt pretty safe before. But now, I'm kind of unsure about it," said Anna Wasielewski, McDaniel student.

The assault comes just weeks after two armed robberies.

"I'm not happy about it. There's been a lot of bad things going on lately," said Jesse Milliner, McDaniel student.

"This is like a small town and we're like a family and it's kind of weird seeing that there's bad things happening in your family," said McDaniel student Mandy Quarantillo.

The sexual assault suspect is described as a thin, tall man. The two armed robbery suspects are described as two men in their 20s, one stocky and the other thin.

"Makes me kind of question the people. I was told this was a nice place. I hope things look up though," Milliner said.

While there's been a spike in crime, students are pleased with the campus security and police response.

"I like how they do the texts and the emails and the phone calls just in case you didn't get it, now you know," said Wasielewski.

"Basically just told us what happened and to stay away, stay inside, lock your doors, don't let anyone in the building," Quarantillo said.

Students tell WJZ they are now more cautious on campus.

"I call my friends and even if they're not there and it's a voicemail I keep talking because that way if something happens they have a record," said Quarantillo.

The female student who was assaulted was physically unharmed. Students are all being told to not walk alone on campus.

Anyone with information on these crimes should contact campus security or Westminster police.

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