PSafe alerts community of driver harassing students on campus

The Department of Public Safety (PSafe) received multiple reports of a male driver soliciting students and offering cash near campus roadways last week, according to a Monday afternoon TigerAlert sent to the University community.

The alert, issued four days after the first reported incident on Thursday, warned of multiple incidents of a male driver allegedly harassing passersby near campus on Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17. Only one “harassment” incident from April 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the general location of the Center for Jewish Life appears on the PSafe daily crime logs for those days.

A PSafe officer declined to comment about the reports on behalf of the department.

According to the alert, the driver approached students and asked for directions to a nearby Starbucks. After receiving directions, he allegedly offered students cash before making inappropriate solicitations or requesting that they enter his vehicle. The individual was described as a male in his 30s or 40s driving a dark van or SUV.

The incidents occurred on Prospect Avenue near Roper Lane, Washington Road at Guyot Lane, and Ivy Lane, according to the TigerAlert.

PSafe is actively investigating the incidents and has notified the Princeton Police Department. The alert urged anyone with additional information to contact PSafe at (609) 258-1000. Community members can also report suspicious behavior by calling 911 or using one of the blue light emergency phones located throughout campus.

A spokesperson for PPD was not available for comment at the time of publication.

The University directed students to its safety and security resources page at publicsafety.princeton.edu for additional crime prevention guidance.