Student escapes west campus attacker

A masked attacker grabbed a female Kansas University student and held her at knifepoint early Friday in the Lied Center parking lot, police said.

The victim, a resident of Ellsworth Hall, was able to pull away from her assailant and was not injured, said Maj. Chris Keary, a KU police spokesman.

The student told police she was walking across the east side of the Lied Center parking lot about 12:45 a.m. Friday when a man wearing a ski mask, dark sweater and blue jeans grabbed her by the arm and pointed a knife at her. She apparently was able to escape because another car drove into the area, Keary said.

Several KU students said Friday they planned to take extra precautions walking to their cars on Daisy Hill. The parking lots in front of Ellsworth and nearby residence halls often are full, so students park in spaces at the Lied Center, which is accessible by a bridge across Iowa Street.

“I’m probably never going to walk by myself again,” said Ellsworth resident Sarah Kruse.

The suspect, described as 6 feet tall with a medium build, didn’t say anything to the woman, Keary said. Police are investigating the case as a battery and aggravated assault.

¢video 6News video: KU student survives attack

Keary asked anyone who may have seen anything to call KU police at 864-5900.

Keary said students should try to walk in groups when possible, and stay alert. If students think they’re being followed, they should try to get to a populated area, he said.

¢ Be aware of your surroundings. Walk assertively. If you look like you know where you’re going, you are less likely to be a target.¢ Use the buddy system. If late-night studying is necessary, make sure you have a study partner.¢ Lock your car doors. Do not let someone in whom you do not know and do not roll your car window down more than an inch.¢ Carry a cell phone, even if for emergencies only.¢ Trust your instincts. If something “feels wrong” (with a person, a building, a situation, etc.), something probably is wrong.¢ If you think you are being followed, stay in well-lit areas and go into a building where there are other people, or join a group of people and walk with them.¢ Report suspicious activity. If you see a person acting suspiciously or you think you are being followed, report it immediately.