Woman breaks free from assault at UC Riverside; suspect sought

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KABC) -- Police at the University of California, Riverside are searching for a suspect accused of assaulting a woman on campus Wednesday night.

Police said the woman was walking along a parking lot near West Watkins Drive and Big Springs Road at about 6:15 p.m. when the suspect approached her.

That is when he grabbed the victim's arm, pulled her to the ground and into a drainage canal, according to campus officers.

The victim was able to kick the suspect and break free but dropped her wallet during the struggle.

Authorities patrolled the area when the crime was reported around 7:30 p.m. but were unable to locate the suspect.

The suspect was described as a white man with light brown hair, between 23 and 25 years old. Police said he was about 6 feet tall with a fit build and looked to weigh about 210 pounds.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans and a red hooded sweatshirt that had "CSU" written in yellow letters across the chest.

UCPD was expected to conduct extra patrols in the area following the incident.

Students were encouraged to use campus escort services and shuttles, and police urged the public to walk in groups after dark.