Mid-Friday morning, members of the University of Massachusetts community received a text message asking recipients to visit the UMass Police Department’s website for a breaking crime alert. An alert was posted there, stating that UMPD is in the process of investigating an alleged sexual assault that occurred early Friday morning.

According to a police report, officers were summoned to John Quincy Adams (JQA) dorm at approximately 3:20 a.m. by a male party who claimed that one of his floormates had been sexually assaulted. Upon arrival, the officers made contact with the victim, who stated that she was sleeping in her room when she reportedly woke up andrealized that a male suspect was standing over her. The suspect allegedly then fled theroom after the victim woke up and saw him.

According to the crime alert posted on the UMPD website, the suspect is described as being either Hispanic or “partially black,” about 5-feet, 6-inches tall and of medium build, with thick, curly hair tied back in a ponytail. He is also reported to havebeen wearing a headband and gym clothes.

UMPD Deputy Chief of Police Patrick Archbald said that UMPD will be relying on the victim’s testimony as well as security camera footage to help identify the suspect. Like all UMass residence halls, JQA is monitored by a surveillance system.

Archbald declined to give any further information about the case, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the sensitivity of the incident. He did, however, state that that UMPD is “working some leads.”

Anyone who may have information is asked to contact UMPD at (413) 545-2121 or fill out an anonymous report at www.umass.edu/umpd/anonymouswitness. The UMPD hasannounced that it will follow up on any leads.

Cameron Ford can be reached at [email protected].