Update: Walters State tightens security during rape investigation

The Walters State Community College Police Department along with the Morristown Police Department have increased patrols on campus after a female student said she was abducted on campus by a stranger and later raped off-campus.

Foster Chason, vice president of student affairs for Walters State, said the community college informed students about the alleged rape Tuesday morning.

"We notified our staff and employees via our e-mail system.  We notified our students via the student e-mail system.  We placed it on our Web page, on our Facebook, on MySpace and our Twitter," said Chason.  "We wanted them to be aware of safety measures that we have in place.  Should anyone have the desire, they can go and request a police officer to escort them to their vehicle."

Chason said emergency phones that connect to the community college's police department are also located in most parking lots.

The victim, a 40-year-old woman, reported she was attacked on Monday afternoon at 4:15. She told police an unknown subject forced her into the back of her vehicle and drove her off-campus. After sexually assaulting her, the man drove her back to campus, exited the vehicle, and left on foot. The attack lasted 15 minutes.

The woman went to Claiborne County Hospital to be seen by a physician and reported the attack Monday evening. The police report indicates she suffered minor injuries.

The police report does not indicate the presence of a gun or any known weapon type. Morristown Police are investigating.

A suspect description is not available.