By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Temple University sent an alert to the school community about an overnight sexual assault and armed robbery of a student near campus. Police are also investigating to see if it’s connected to an incident just blocks away where shots were fired and two men got away with a purse.

After reading the text alert on her phone, Temple senior Emily, was left very concerned, especially for the victim.

“Unfortunately she has to live with that and I hope she gets all the help and everything she needs because it’s just heartbreaking to hear, especially as a female student,” says Emily.

Police say the 20- year-old victim was walking home from Temple’s library. She was with a friend but they went separate ways at Broad and Cecil B Moore.

Close to midnight, when she got to the 1400 block of Carlisle Street, she heard footsteps and police say a man hit her arm with his gun and took her to a construction site where he sexually assaulted her.

Special Victims Unit investigators were busy at the crime scene throughout the day, searching atop shipping containers, looking into sewer grates and under dumpsters, seeking possible clues.

Eliza Vitale says, “It’s scary because I’m there almost every day.”

Authorities describe the suspect as a black male in his mid-20s, with a goatee. He was wearing a gray beanie, a green vest and black long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans. He displayed a small silver handgun and was last seen fleeing on foot northbound from the 1400 block of North Carlisle.

A few hours earlier, police say two men took a 23-year-old woman’s purse a few blocks away on Thompson Street.

Police say three shots were fired, but no one was hit. All of this happened in front of Emily’s apartment.

“Really anxious because it’s like one right after another so we’re kind of shaken up.”

Investigators are now seeking any possible connection between the two crimes.

Detectives were also busy checking out surveillance video from cameras in the area, hoping it will yield clues.

Those who live nearby are taking precautions.

“I’ll probably have someone, whether it’s a boyfriend or friend walk me around. I walk here at night all of the time.”

Temple University Police also reminded students that they can use their ‘Walking Escort Program.’

Police say to use caution and to report any suspicious activity to 215-204-1234.

Anyone with information should call Philadelphia Police or Temple Security immediately.

Stay with CBS Philly for more information as it becomes available.