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University of Michigan student raped and punched while running in Nichols Arboretum

Posted at 8:45 AM, Oct 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-08 19:54:27-04

A University of Michigan student was raped while on a running trail Friday night. University Police put out a crime alert to all staff and students.

It happened at the Nichols Arboretum, known as the Arb, around 8 p.m. on Friday.

"Because it was at 8 p.m. and she was out running, a lot of people will say she shouldn't have been out, you know what, she should be able to be outside doing whatever she wants, whenever she wants,” said Sarah Young, an Ann Arbor resident.

People who frequent the Arb were stunned to hear this happened at the beautiful nature area.

"It's horrible, it makes me sad, it makes me angry,” said Young.
 
"Horrible, it's a horrible, it seems like such a safe place and it's place where everyone wants to come and should be able to come,” said Jason Worrell, an Ann Arbor resident. 

"It's like shocking, I never expected it,” said Rahima Ahuja, a U of M graduate.

According to University Police, the woman was running along the trail that connects to the Geddes Rd. entrance.

The suspect grabbed her, pulled her down, punched her in the face and sexually assaulted her.

Police said she was able to run away and report the crime to police right away.

Police are looking for the man responsible. He’s described as a white man in his 20s, taller than 5’7”, brown hair, average build, wearing a black sweatshirt.

Call the University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security if you have any information, (734) 763-1131.