Buddy system urged at Fairfield University after report of sexual assault on campus

FAIRFIELD, Connecticut (WABC) -- A report that a female student was sexually assaulted at Fairfield University is now under investigation.

According to the Fairfield Police Department, the victim reported at 11 p.m. Monday that she was walking to the library when she was punched, then sexually assaulted by a man in his 40s.

There are no suspects or witnesses at this time.

The university confirmed the investigation and said it is cooperating with police. It said in a statement that the victim was lured from the path to the woods when she was attacked.

The campus was notified and said students should "exercise caution and institute the buddy system when walking at night."

University counselors were supporting the victim and her family.

The case is under investigation.

"Last evening we had officers, canine officers searching the area. Unfortunately we were unable to locate the individual," said Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara.

Students say they received text messages and emails about the assault and they're now on heightened alert as police continue their hunt for the suspect.

"We got the text message to our phones this morning and then we got a followup email as well," one student said. "It's a little scary to have that happen on our campus."

Fairfield police are reviewing nearby surveillance cameras to see if they captured any images of the suspect before and after the attack.

They're also working closely with more than two dozen campus police officer to keep close tabs on the university.

"We encourage students to travel in pairs, to notify other students where you may be going to ensure that there's a timeline," said MacNamara.