Student reports rape near Forest Quad

An 18-year-old freshman female reported to the IU Police Department that she was raped in the parking lot near Forest Quad and the Wright Education building early Sunday morning, according to police reports. \nThe victim told police she knew the identity of the alleged assailant, who is also an IU student.\nThe victim noticed the suspect while walking along Third Street at about 12:30 a.m., IUPD Capt. Jerry Minger said. When she turned north, the subject followed her. The victim said as she approached a group of pine trees near Forest Quad, the alleged assailant began to walk faster. When she tried to hasten her own pace, she fell. The victim said she carried a scalpel for protection; however, when she attempted to defend herself with it, the victim took it from her. \nThe female suffered a nonserious puncture wound from the scalpel to her leg during the course of the assault, Minger said. Police received a call at 1:01 a.m. and responded to the area, where they found the victim sitting under the trees where the assault occurred. \nA Bloomington ambulance transported the victim to Bloomington Hospital, where hospital workers administered a rape kit. There was no indication the victim was intoxicated, and Minger said she did not indicate the attacker was intoxicated. \nIUPD officers interviewed the suspect yesterday morning but did not place him under arrest. Minger said investigators are still tying up "loose ends" regarding the accounts of the victim, the suspect and other people the two had spoken with. \nMinger said the suspect was very cooperative, and police do not believe he will flee the area. \n"It's a longer process than some people think, especially with multiple people involved," Minger said. "You want to confirm everything that everyone tells you. We're hopeful that we can bring it to a positive conclusion." \nMinger urged anyone who thinks they might have information about the incident to contact an IUPD officer at 855-4111.