U of Minnesota Student Raped Near Campus; Suspect at Large

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Police are searching for a suspect who raped a 20-year-old University of Minnesota student as she cleared fresh snow off her car near campus.

Authorities say the woman was ambushed from behind and raped in a parking lot early Monday.

According to campus police, the attack happened in a residential lot about 12:45 a.m., about two blocks northwest of various university athletic buildings and facilities.

In a campus crime alert, university police say the man sneaked up behind the woman and sprayed a chemical irritant in her face. The man then forced the woman to the ground before fleeing down an alley.

Reports say the woman was treated at Hennepin County Medical Center.

University police released a suspect description that included few specifics.