NEW HAVEN, Con. (WTNH) — A Yale University student woke up early Tuesday morning to a stranger in their residence, who then sexually assaulted her at gunpoint, according to police, who are urging the public to come forward with any information.

The assault happened at about 2 a.m. in the 300 block of Elm Street. The graduate student was sexually assaulted by a male, according to police.

“We believe there’s some form of forced entry,” New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson said.

The student was taken to the hospital. Yale’s police will be doing more patrols in the area.

Yale and New Haven police are working together to track the suspect down. Officers have cased the neighborhood for witnesses and video.

“We want this individual to be apprehended, so anyone who has any information, contact either of our departments,” said Anthony Campbell, the chief of the Yale Police Department.

Yale students told News 8 that they’re shocked and scared.

“When you think you’re safe on campus and then things like that happen, it’s scary,” said Bruno Caserta, an exchange student at Yale. “I can’t even express the emotions when you read something like that. It’s unbelievable.”

Students said they’ll be taking extra precautions.

“I was talking to my roommate and we’re planning on moving off campus, close to the street it happened at,” said Michelle Ampofo, a student at Yale. “We were saying we be more careful, maybe have a curfew, not that it would help that particular email that came out but practicing more caution next year.”

Jacobson also offered guidance.

“Be aware of your surroundings, lock your doors, and if you see something call us,” Jacobson said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact New Haven police at (203) 946-6316 or Yale police at (203) 432-4400.

The video below aired in our 5 p.m. newscast on May 10, 2023.