A Rutgers University student was sexually assaulted early Sunday in the backyard of a residence off campus, police and a university spokesman said.
The attack comes as the fall semester is set to begin on Tuesday.
The victim was walking at about 2:45 a.m. near Richardson and Wyckoff streets in New Brunswick when a man walking behind her attempted to engage her in conversation, He followed her into a backyard and sexually assaulted her with his hand, investigators said. He then fled.
The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where she was treated and released, police said.
Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact the New Brunswick Police Department.
In an unrelated case about two hours earlier, a female student was hit by an object thrown from a passing car in the vicinity of Hamilton and Hartwell streets, police said. Four males were in the car, a dark sedan, police said.
The student was treated for a minor injury at a local hospital.
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The Rutgers University Police Department is urging students to remain alert, avoid isolated or unlit areas at night and walk in groups at night.
