Woman Reports Being Assaulted Near Duke Hospital Thursday Evening (Updated)

The Duke University Police Department is investigating a report from a 21-year-old woman who said she was sexually assaulted Thursday evening near Erwin Road.

The woman told police that she left Duke Hospital just after 7:30 p.m. and walked along Erwin Road to Elba Street to get to her car. She said she was between the Civitan Building and Child Guidance Clinic off Elba Street when she was approached by a man, forced to the ground and assaulted.

After the incident, the woman immediately drove to her residence and reported the crime to local police, who notified Durham and Duke authorities. She was treated and released from WakeMed in Raleigh.

No arrests have been made. The suspect is described as a large black male, dark skin, very short hair or bald with some facial hair around his mouth. He wore a yellow puffy jacket.

"The Duke University Police Department is working with the victim and following up on leads," said Aaron Graves, associate vice president for campus safety and security. "The safety of our students, employees and visitors is our top priority, and we are stepping up patrols in areas near campus."

Anyone with information is asked to call Investigator Gary Smith at (919) 684-6424, Duke Police at (919) 684-2444 or CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for information leading to arrests in felony cases and callers never have to identify themselves.

Crime Prevention Tips:

Be alert ,stay aware of your surroundings, especially in parking lots and garages.

Be prepared, both physically and mentally.

Walk confidently and at a steady pace.

If you are the victim of a crime or see something suspicious call 911 immediately.