Campus police are searching for the assailant in an early morning attack on the Parade Ground, according to Det. Kevin Scott, LSU Police Department spokesman.
Police are searching for a white man in his 20s with short hair wearing a black and white stripped shirt, dark pants and glasses.
At about 3:30 a.m. an 18-year-old female student was attacked on the sidewalk between the Parade Ground and Highland Road. Scott said the student was hit from behind by the suspect before being pushed to the ground and further attacked. The motive for the attack is unknown.
After the attack, the suspect fled east between the Faculty Club and Law School buildings and is still at large, Scott said.
Scott said the assailant had no weapon, but is still considered dangerous. An emergency text message was sent at around 6 a.m. urging students to avoid the area.
Another message was sent around 7:20 a.m. warning that the suspect was still at large. The latest update from the University at about 9:30 a.m. said officers performed a “complete and comprehensive search” of the area but the suspect still hasn’t been caught.
LSUPD and Baton Rouge Police Department have increased patrols and searched the buildings in the vicinity of the Parade Ground.
Scott said it is unlikely the suspect is still in the vicinity of the Parade Ground, but stressed students must exercise caution around campus.
Students should report any suspicious activity to police immediately, Scott said.
LSUPD can be reached at 225-578-3231.
 
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Contact Xerxes A. Wilson at [email protected]