UNL student shares her story after reported sexual assault on campus

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) victim shares her story while the alleged suspect of her sexual assault is still on the loose.

Early Tuesday morning, the UNL Police Department issued a safety alert due to a report of a man groping and kissing Sophia without her consent.

SEE ALSO: UNL Police looking for suspect due to unwanted fondling and kissing

The incident occurred on the UNL campus. The victim, Sophia, shared her story with Channel 8 hoping to help others.

“I just remember thinking I don’t want to die,” Sophia said. “I just got to college. I’m double-majoring. I have so many things I want to do with my life.”

The reported sexual assault happened near 16th and R streets around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 29.

Sophia said the suspect touched her anywhere he could.

“He came up behind me, bear hugged me and started touching me everywhere,” Sophia said. “He was pulling on my skirt, touching my breasts, everywhere. Everywhere he could. He was pulling my hair and dragged me by my hair a couple feet.”

Sophia said she screamed for help and attempted to call 911 before the suspect threw her phone in the street.

Sophia said she wants to use her voice to spread awareness for victims.

“To all the women out there who have experienced anything like this, we love you, we hear you and we see you,” Sophia said. “If you hear or see something say something. Please report it if you have gone through it. I promise you There’s an amazing community of women out there who are willing to help you and give you the support, resources and help that you need.”

The person of interest has still not been found. UNLPD urged people to call them with any information at 402-472-2222 or, to stay anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.

Pictures of the suspect:

Courtesy: Crime Stoppers

Courtesy: Crime Stoppers