ORLANDO, Fla. – A woman fought off a man who grabbed her in a restroom on the east campus of Valencia College during an attempted sexual attack Tuesday night, according to authorities.
The woman was not physically injured in the attack, deputies said.
According to the Orange County Sheriff's Office, preliminary information shows that a female student was in a women's restroom in or near Building 8 when a man entered and grabbed her.
Officials said she fought him off and screamed for help. Faculty members and students heard her and came to help.
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The man ran away and has not been located, officials said. The school is near the Econ Trail, north of State Road 408.
According to a text message sent by campus security, the Orange County Sheriff's Office is searching for a white or Hispanic man with short black hair, brown eyes and a mole on his face. He's 6 feet 2 inches tall and 200 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to contact campus security, the Orange County Sheriff's Office or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.
Students on campus Wednesday said they were on alert after hearing about the incident.
"It is scary just to know that they could have been on campus when I was on campus," student Olivia Ridolf said.
Several students told News 6 that the alleged attack was a wake up call.
Student Brianna Burke said she will be making sure to be aware of her surroundings at all times from now on.
"I'm definitely going to be more aware," Chris Foulk said. "Not necessarily for myself, but for the people around me."
Valencia College on Wednesday posted a statement about the attack on its Facebook page.
"A message about last night’s incident on East Campus:
"On January 9 at approximately 8:06 p.m., there was an incident that occurred on Valencia’s East Campus in Building 8. An unknown male entered a women’s restroom and attempted to sexually batter a female student. Following a brief struggle, the suspect fled. Employees who were in the area quickly called security and attempted to chase the suspect.
"Valencia security officers, along with an on-scene sheriff’s deputy, responded immediately and began searching the campus for the suspect. A Valencia Alert was sent out to notify students, faculty and staff about the incident and included a description of the suspect. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is investigating and continues to search for the suspect. If you have tips or information related to the investigation, please contact Valencia Security, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office or Crimeline.
"Our hearts go out to the victim, who was not seriously injured, but is understandably shaken. We encourage you to remain vigilant and contact campus security if you see activity that seems suspicious.
"Please know that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is our top priority at Valencia. In response to this incident, Valencia’s security team is increasing patrols and Orange County Sheriff’s Office staffing on East Campus, and reminding students, faculty and staff of the security team’s “escort program,” which encourages Valencians to call security if they want an escort to their vehicle or classroom. Phone numbers of each campus security office are located on the back of your Valencia ID card.
"In addition, security staff will be distributing brochures and flyers from our partner agencies, including the Victim Service Center of Central Florida and BayCare."
Stay with News 6 and ClickOrlando.com for updates on this story.