Some UT Martin students living on-campus were horrified to hear a panicked scream at around 3:15 a.m. Friday, April 30.
At that time, UT Martin Police were notified of a female student screaming for help, officials said in an email.
The student had been asleep in her suite's common area when she woke up to a man standing over her, "touching himself," officials said.
She screamed and chased the subject out of the dorm. He got in a vehicle and fled the area. The victim told UTM Police the suite door was unlocked.
The subject, who hasn't been caught, is described as a Black man, aged 30-40, approximately 5'11" and around 200 pounds. He was wearing a white t-shirt and khaki pants at the time of the incident.
He fled in a gray Jeep that was parked along Jeffress Drive.
UT Martin Police and Martin Police are working to identify and locate the man.
They ask if you know anything or have any information on this or similar occurrences, please call UT Martin Police at (731) 881-7777 or Martin Police at (731) 587-5355.
In the email to all students, UTM Public Safety reminds Skyhawks:
Avoid propping doors open and allowing visitors to walk in behind you.
Lock the doors to your suite and bedroom.
If you are the victim of a crime, we encourage you to report the incident as soon as possible so appropriate measures can be taken for your safety and the safety of others.
If you see something that doesn’t look right or makes you feel concerned, please report that as well.
You can report criminal or suspicious activity on the LiveSafe app or by calling UTM PD at (731) 881-7777. Download the app from your device’s app store.
Visit the Daily Squawk or tune in at WUTM-FM 90.3 The Hawk for more on this situation.