The police in Normal, IL, are requesting the public’s help in finding a suspect who allegedly grabbed a woman near the campus, attempting to force her into her own vehicle. The incident was reported to have happened on Monday, November 9th at around 11 p.m. on the 500 block of South Fell Avenue. The woman, who remains unidentified, was able to fend off the attack and escape.A digital composite of the attacker has been released; he is described as a white male in his late 20s to early 30s, 6-foot in height, and weighing 180 to 200 pounds. He is reported to have a scratch under his left eye that recently occurred and may be healed.
Meanwhile, ISU police issued a campus crime alert regarding the incident and released the following tips on avoiding such attacks:
- Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
- Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.
- Travel in groups and avoid going out alone at night.
- Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well lighted, busy pathways and streets.
- If someone is bothering or harassing you, tell the person in a loud voice to stay away.
- Carry your cell phone with you and be prepared to call 911 with a suspect description.
- Park in well lighted areas, where your vehicle is visible; avoid parking next to vans or trucks.
- Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even when driving.
- Have your keys ready when you approach your car. Before getting in, check inside and under your car to make sure no one is hiding.
- If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the police department or a well-lit public area and then call the police.
- If a person with a weapon confronts you and wants your vehicle, give it up. No car is worth being injured or losing your life over.
- If you are a victim or witness, try to remember as many details as possible to help the police.
Normal police request that information on the suspect be forwarded to Detective Brian Larimore at 309-433-3439.
