New surveillance photos released of Northwestern dorm attack suspect

EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) -- Police released new surveillance photos of the man who allegedly attacked a resident assistant inside a Northwestern University dorm.

Campus police are asking the university community to stay vigilant after a man managed to get into the second-floor dorm room of a female student in Allison Hall.

An emergency alert said the RA called campus police around 4:30 p.m. to tell officers what happened. She said the man entered her room, they exchanged words and he left. The victim's friend, Shaan Somani, said when she followed the man out, he attacked her and threatened to shoot her.

"He grabs her by the neck and throws her on the ground. Then he walks out, she chases after him and he says, 'I could shoot you! I could shoot you!'" Somani said.

Police said the attacker did not show a weapon. He is still on the loose. The RA is shaken up, but not hurt.

Many doors on campus are locked. Students told ABC7 Eyewitness News that people need swipe cards to get into buildings and onto certain floors.

"It's honestly annoying to swipe so many times. I don't know what happened, but I assume he kind of followed someone in. You hold the door for the person behind you. You think you're being polite and it turns out to be kind of a thief. It's really kind of scary," said Elizabeth Dickson, who lives in the residence hall.

University police released a surveillance photo of the suspect. He is described as a black male approximately 6 feet tall, about 210 pounds, with a bald head, no facial hair and wearing a green sweatshirt and blue jeans. He was carrying a gray backpack.

Police continue to investigate. They are urging campus residents to report any suspicious activity and not to allow unknown individuals access to the residence halls.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Northwestern University Police Department at 847-491-3456 or the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000.