Cornell University Police are investigating a reported rape at 3:45 a.m. Sunday on the stairs leading to the south end of the suspension bridge from the 800 block of University Avenue.

According to the police report, a female victim reported that she was walking down the stairs when she was grabbed from behind by an unknown male, who forced her to have sexual intercourse. The victim said the suspect is a dark-skinned or Hispanic-white male, 5’9” – 6’ tall. The suspect fled north across the suspension bridge.

Because of the increased level of criminal activity last night, Cornell University Police are urging members of the Cornell community to take extra safety precautions, including locking doors and windows at all times, and using alternative methods of transportation such as blue light escorts, blue light buses and taxis.

A police investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information should contact the Ithaca Police Department at (607) 272-9973 or the Cornell University Police at (607) 255-1111.

Check back later for more updates.