According to Madison Police reports, a 21-year-old female UW-Madison student was beaten Sept. 20 by a man with a 3-foot PVC pipe.

Madison police identified the suspect as Daniel Ratliff, 30, a food assistant at the Pyle Center, 800 Langdon St.

Police reports indicated that the victim was walking to a friend’s house in the 500 block of West Wilson Street when she heard footsteps behind her.

As the victim turned around, Ratliff attacked, hitting her several times in the head, back and shoulders with the pipe.

The victim ran away, but Ratliff pursued her. She was able to make her way up onto a neighborhood porch while screaming for help. Her screams caught the attention of neighbors who came to her aid and chased Ratliff until they lost him.

Police later apprehended Ratliff in the 600 block of West Main Street.

Ratliff was booked into the Dane County jail. The victim was treated and released from a local hospital with a broken nose, facial stitches and numerous cuts and bruises on her head, shoulders, hands and arms.

The victim said Ratliff never attempted to take her purse and made no verbal comments.

Police reports noted no apparent motive for the attack.