The Buffalo Police Department is warning of rape that occurred in the Hillery Park neighborhood in South Buffalo. The attack occurred Tuesday just before the noon hour in an area off Seneca Street. Trocaire College said learned one of its students was allegedly assaulted in the off-campus attack. Police are investigating and posted information Wednesday on the Buffalo Police Facebook page.
According to reports, the victim was approached from behind, struck and then raped.
The area where the attack occurred is not part of Trocaire's Campus footprint. However, the college said the safety of the entire Trocaire community is one of its 'highest priorities'.
The incident also occurred near Buffalo Public School #27 Hillery Park Academy.
Police describe the suspect as 30-to-40-years old with dirty blonde hair and facial stubble and was wearing a green and brown camouflage jacket.
WBFO News reached out to Trocaire for an interview, but the college declined saying "we will not be conducting any interviews, instead focusing on our community."
The following is Trocaire's full statement:
"According to sources reporting to our Student Affairs Department, yesterday 11/3/2015 a Trocaire student was assaulted near the Hillery Park neighborhood off of Seneca Street in South Buffalo. We do not have any additional details to share due to privacy policies.
Although this area of South Buffalo is not part of the official Trocaire Campus footprint, the safety of the entire Trocaire community is one of our highest priorities.
Our Student Affairs Department is currently taking the proper measures to communicate to, support and offer any assistance necessary to our students and the campus community, including providing them with important security reminders."