A female student was attacked on the bike trail located near the American River while leaving campus on Thursday morning, police said.

Around 11:45 a.m., the student encountered a man riding a bicycle on the bike path located just west of the Howe Ave overpass. The suspect returned on foot and beckoned the student toward him. When she refused, the suspect grabbed her and struck her on the head, and attempted to drag her into the nearby bushes.

The victim was able to escape and was transported to a nearby hospital.

The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-40s with short black hair, standing between 5’6” to 5’8” and with a muscular build. He was wearing a dark, loose-fit tank top and dark pants.

Police Chief Mark Iwasa said that it is unknown if the incident is related to the recent reports of a man harassing women around campus.

Police are asking that anyone with information regarding these incidents contact them at 916-278-6000.