Disabled woman raped in classroom in Howard University

A disabled young woman participating in a program in Howard University in Washington, D.C. has been raped in a classroom but the attacker is on the run.

The attack occurred near the School of Business building on 6th Street Northwest at about 8 a.m. Monday, reports said on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old woman was a participant of a program which the university says is not affiliated with the school.

The university said in a statement that “the location and the circumstances around this case are still under investigation.”

“The investigation into this troubling incident is ongoing and it is premature to provide additional details at this time,” the statement added.

The suspect has not been identified yet. However, NBC has reported that the perpetrator is also one of the participants of the same program.

The incident has created shock. “I think that’s terrible. I was here at eight in the morning yesterday, and I can’t imagine that happening,” one woman told NBC Washington DC.

“It’s very scary,” another woman said. “I work here every day. Just to know something can happen to me is shocking.”

There has been an increase in crimes, including armed robberies, thefts and assaults, in the university since September, according to the police in the campus.