Police search for man after woman raped at Gardner-Webb University

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. — Police are on extra patrol at Gardner-Webb University after a woman was attacked and raped on campus.

Authorities said the attack happened shortly after 9 p.m. Tuesday in the middle of campus across from the student center.

"She was walking across campus at the Lake Hollifield complex," said Paul Foster with Gardner-Webb University. "She was attacked. Someone overpowered her."

University police rushed to the scene, but the suspect was gone.

The victim gave police a vague description of her attacker.

She said he had a beard and spoke with a southern accent and authorities do not know his race.

He did not have a weapon, according to authorities.

Students on campus were shaken up over the incident.

"I guess it's just so unexpected," Emily McFalls said.

"It makes me nervous cause I live in the apartments, so we walk around that lake every day," Ashley Monk said.

School officials sent out an email notifying students about the attack.

Tonight police are urging students to walk in pairs, especially at night, on campus.

WSOC