SEATTLE -- A female student at the University of Washington was critically injured in an assault near the campus early Tuesday morning, according to UW police.

Assistant Police Chief Ray Wittmier said the 22-year-old victim contacted a parking attendant about 7 a.m. at the north entrance to the campus at 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street and said she needed help.

The student had suffered a head injury and was taken by medics to Harborview Medical Center where she remains in critical condition. She improved enough late Wednesday morning that she was able to start speaking to detectives and tell them what happened.

Investigators believe a man assaulted the woman earlier Tuesday morning near the intersection of 18th Avenue NE and NE 47th Street along the UW's Greek Row.

She was hit in the head repeatedly, but was able to get in her car and drive a few blocks south and flag down the campus parking attendant for help.

"This, as far as we know, was a random situation," said Wittmier. "It appears to be a stranger type attack, which is reasonably rare in this area."

Wittmier said the woman was able to communicate that the attacker was a man, but she did not know him.

"Apparently some of the witnesses heard her screams and then some saw her there," Wittmer said.
"I don't know if they recognized or realized the severity of that at the time."

Police sent out an e-mail Tuesday evening alerting students and staff to the incident and asking for anyone with information to come forward.

"From that we got several responses from people who did witness the incident early this morning," Wittmier said. "Apparently some of the witnesses heard her screams and then some saw her there... I don't know if they recognized or realized the severity of that at the time."

Seattle Police detectives have taken over the case since the attack occurred off-campus. In the meantime, students are taking extra precautions to protect themselves.

"I have a pepper spray, a little like screamer whistle thing," said student Cassie Hamilton. "I've never used them but I have them."

There are no suspects, and anyone with information is asked to call police at 206-685-8973.