The University Police Department has issued a Crime Alert after criminal sexual abuse was reported in the 1100 block of West Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday around 2 a.m.

According to the alert, two women were walking near the corners of Pennsylvania Avenue and Dorner Drive when the offender approached them and asked for the time. The offender followed the women to the southwest area of the Soybean Research Building, 1100 W. Pennsylvania Ave.

The offender began to grope and touch one of the women. He then pushed the woman into a pile of snow and stood over her while he continued to grope her.

The offender fled the scene after the second woman called 911.

The offender was described as a multiracial male, with a light brown skin tone, between about 5-foot-4 and 5-foot-8 inches tall and a thin build. He was also described as having a thin mustache and no other facial hair. The offender was reported wearing “a blue stocking cap, blue pullover windbreaker, blue spandex type running pants and tennis shoes,” according to the alert. 

Witnesses to the event or anyone with information are encouraged to call University Police at 217-333-1216 or Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477.