A female student was allegedly attacked by a group of men while walking early Thursday morning.

The incident occurred in the 2200 block of Ninth Street, near Carman Hall.

The woman stated at least three male subjects knocked her to the ground and pursued her when she tried to run away. The woman said the men were making verbal threats of sexual assault during the alleged attack. She had never seen the assailants and did not remember anything in regards to any features that would help identify the suspects, the woman said.

Charleston Police Chief Mark Jenkins said the only information they have on the assailants is that they were a group of three to four white males.

Jenkins said detectives investigating the case plan to look at video of footage from Carman Hall security video cameras in hopes of catching footage of a group matching the description given either near or in the residence hall.

He said this might prove fruitless because the cameras are focus on covering the area close to and surrounding the hall and might not have caught any of the attack, which happened south of Carman Hall.

“With the victim unable to identify the suspects, we’re hoping some witness will come forward,” he said.

He said this case is a textbook illustration of why female students should be cautious.

“I think this is a very good example for why female students need to be careful in walking around campus alone at night,” Jenkins said.

He recommended that all female students should take a friend as an escort when walking around campus after dark.

Eastern issued a crime advisory to students, faculty and staff Thursday afternoon via Panthermail.

Jordan Crook can be reached at 581-7942 or at jscrook@eiu.edu.