Woman reports rape near UNC campus

A 27-year-old woman told police she was attacked behind Ackland Art Museum after leaving Cosmic Cantina, a restaurant at 128 E. Franklin St. The area is a popular shortcut from the UNC campus to the shops and bars on Franklin Street.

"It's not well lit during the night, but at dusk it's OK. It's pretty busy," said Emily Stevens, a university employee who works nearby.

Alana Austin, a UNC senior, said she uses the shortcut, but sometimes varies her route. 

"Nothing's ever happened to me here, but it does give me a creepy feeling at times," she said.

"It is the easiest, most direct path, but is it worth it? Not really, if something horrible like that happens," Austin said.

The woman told police two men approached her, then dragged her behind a Dumpster.

Lt. Kevin Gunter, of the Chapel Hill Police Department, said the woman was extremely upset when police arrived, and details about the alleged attack were not clear.

Campus police were aware of the report, spokesman Randy Young said, but they did not issue an alert because of the limited information available.

Authorities advise students to always walk in groups or to use the campus shuttle service.