The Central Michigan University Police Department is investigating a non-aggravated assault that occurred Monday evening near Pearce Hall.

The victim escaped unharmed.

Between 8:45 and 9 p.m., a female student was walking along Ottawa Court by the southeast end of Pearce Hall when she was grabbed from behind by an unidentified suspect, said CMU Police Chief Bill Yeagley.

The CMU Police Department is seeking information that may lead to the suspect’s identity. Given the location and time, there is a possibility there may have been witnesses close to the scene, Yeagley said.

“We’re asking anyone who was in that area to call the department,” he said.

The suspect is described as a white male and 5 feet, 5 inches tall. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black or blue jeans and black shoes at the time of the incident.

The victim was able to push back the assailant and flee the area. While the female did not suffer any injuries, she may have inflicted minor wounds to the suspect during the brief scuffle.

“The suspect may have some sort of mark or scratch on the neck or face resulting from the incident,” Yeagley said.

No conversation took place during the encounter, and there was no kind of sexual assault reported, he said.

Those with any information can contact the CMU Police Department dispatch line at 774-3081, or the tip line at 774-1874. An anonymous tip form can also be filled out at police.cmich.edu.

E-mail the author: Jake Bolitho