Police Report Attempted Sexual Assault in Highlands Neighborhood

State College police reported that an attempted sexual assault took place in the Highlands neighborhood early on Saturday morning.

According to a press release from the police department, a college-aged female was walking eastbound on the 700-block of East Foster Avenue at 12:41 a.m. when the incident took place.

A “thin black male” walking in the opposite direction — toward the female — allegedly bumped into her and then grabbed her arms, police said.

“The male attempted to sexually assault the woman on the sidewalk … until someone from a nearby building opened a door,” the release said. “The sound of the door opening caused the suspect to stop assaulting the victim and flee the area.”

The suspect was last seen running from the scene toward the downtown area of State College. He is described by police as college-aged, black, approximately 5-foot-9, and skinny. He had no facial hair and a thin face and was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Police ask that anyone with information on the suspect or the incident contact them by phone at 814-234-7150, by e-mail, or by submitting an anonymous tip online.