Student Mugged on Campus Early Friday

Unfortunately, Hummel discovered the hard way that it can be dangerous to walk through campus alone.

On her way home from Franklin Street early Friday morning, an unknown assailant attacked the UNC senior on Stadium Drive.

Police reports state that Hummel noticed a black Honda Civic stopped on Stadium Drive and a man getting out of the car and starting to walk in her direction. "I didn't think much of it because he didn't seem very aggressive," Hummel said.

The assailant followed Hummel as she headed toward her room in Carmichael Residence Hall before throwing her on the ground and stealing her purse, police reports state.

Reports state that the assailant is about 6 feet 4 inches tall, weighs about 220 pounds and is a black male.

He was wearing dark baggy clothes and a hat or skull cap, reports state.

The Stadium Drive incident occurred about 1:45 a.m. Oct. 5. Hummel was taken to UNC Hospitals and later released with minor injuries, reports state.

"I have a really impressive bump on my head, but otherwise I'm fine," she said.

Mark McIntyre, captain of the criminal investigations division of the Department of Public Safety, said assaults on campus are uncommon.

"This is the first one we've had this year," McIntyre said. "From time to time something like this happens but not often."

University police have no suspects at this time, but the incident is still under investigation, McIntyre said.

A composite picture of the suspect has been released and can be viewed at http://main.psafety.unc.edu/publicsafety. Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact DPS at 962-8100.

McIntyre stressed that students should be careful when walking through campus, especially at night.

"I think campus is a safe place, but safety precautions are always necessary," McIntyre said.

To be less vulnerable to attackers, McIntyre said students should never walk alone on campus and should take the Point-2-Point whenever possible. He also urged students to be observant of their surroundings at all times.

McIntyre also encouraged anyone who notices suspicious activity to call 911 immediately.

He stressed that both men and women should exercise caution, as assaults and burglaries can affect both genders.

When looking back at the attack, Hummel said it could have been prevented if she hadn't been walking by herself.

"You really just can't walk alone anywhere at night."

The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.