NORMAL -- Normal police are asking for the public's help in finding a suspect who reportedly grabbed a woman near the Illinois State University campus and attempted to force her into her own vehicle.

The incident happened around 10:45 p.m. Monday when the suspect approached the victim in the 500 block of South Fell Avenue. The victim, who was not identified or described, was able to fight off the man and escape, Normal police said in a statement Wednesday.

Police have released a digital composite of the suspect, who is described as a white male, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 6-foot tall and between 180 and 200 pounds. The victim also described a small scratch under the suspect's left eye that appeared to have been done recently and by now may be healed, police said.

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call Normal police Detective Brian Larimore at 309-433-3439.

Meanwhile, ISU police on Tuesday issued a campus crime alert about the incident. ISU police offered these safety tips to the community:

• Stay alert to your surroundings and the people around you.

• Keep your keys separate from your purse or backpack.

• Travel in groups and avoid going out alone at night.

• Plan the safest route to your destination; choose well lighted, busy pathways and streets.

• If someone is bothering or harassing you, tell the person in a loud voice to stay away.

• Carry your cell phone with you and be prepared to call 911 with a suspect description.

• Park in well lighted areas, where your vehicle is visible; avoid parking next to vans or trucks.

• Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even when driving.

• Have your keys ready when you approach your car. Before getting in, check inside and under your car to make sure no one is hiding.

• If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the police department or a well-lit public area and then call the police.

• If a person with a weapon confronts you and wants your vehicle, give it up. No car is worth being injured or losing your life over.

• If you are a victim or witness, try to remember as many details as possible to help the police.