Student sexually assaulted in Illinois State University residence hall: Police

A student was sexually assaulted by a masked assailant inside of a residence hall at Illinois State University Monday morning. According to an alert sent out by ISU Police, at approximately 1 a.m. a student was on the lower-level service area of the Watterson Towers residential building in Normal when she was attacked by an unknown assailant. According to the student, the assailant was wearing a black ski mask and eye coverings. Police say the student was ultimately able to break free of the attacker and was able to contact desk staff within the residence hall, who then called the authorities. The suspect is not in custody at this time, and an investigation is continuing into the assault. Anyone with information is asked to call ISU Police at 309-438-8631. Students are also being reminded to use locks on doors and to deny entry to unknown individuals, among other security steps.