Police release surveillance video, photos of suspect accused of sexual assault near Pitt campus

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburgh police have released a video and new photos showing the suspect who is accused of raping a woman near the University of Pittsburgh campus over the weekend.

The reported assault took place in the 200 block of Melwood Avenue in Oakland, about a mile from Pitt's campus, around 2 a.m. Sunday. Police released video of the suspect on Tuesday. 

The suspect was described as between 30 and 40 years old, with a thin build, 5-foot-6 or 5-foot-7, and was last seen wearing a long-sleeved black shirt, cargo pants and a ski mask.

Police released additional photos on Friday, still asking the public for help identifying the suspect. 

Pittsburgh police said the woman got off a Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus on Centre Avenue Sunday around 2 a.m. According to investigators, she was talking on her cellphone when the suspect took her into a back alley and forced her to remove her undergarments. Police said the suspect threatened to kill her and punched her in the eye. Pittsburgh police are referring to it as a rape.

The victim told police that at some point, the suspect must have heard something and been scared off because he ran away. She then walked to her apartment and called 911, police said. A man who lived nearby also called 911 after he heard what sounded like a sexual assault. 

The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for her facial injuries and receive further evaluation, police said. 

KDKA-TV's Mamie Bah reached out to the university. A spokesperson said, "We are increasing patrols and remain in close communication with the city of Pittsburgh Police."

It's unclear whether the survivor is associated with the University of Pittsburgh.

"I'm like, 'what if that was me?'" said junior Angei Opoku. "That's very scary, that could happen to anyone at any time, living on campus, living off."

If you have any information, you're asked to call 911, Zone 4 Pittsburgh police at 412-422-6520 or the University of Pittsburgh Police at 412-624-2121.

If you or someone you know needs support, the following resources are available, 24/7:

• Pittsburgh Action Against Rape: 1-866-363-7272
• University Counseling Center: 412-648-7930
• Resolve Crisis Services: 1-888-796-8226
• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

You can also download the Rave Guardian safety app, which allows different options for contacting the police, including anonymous reporting options.

In:
• University of Pittsburgh
• Sexual Assault
• Pittsburgh Police