Alleged Sex Assault Unsubstantiated: Summit Police

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Police had posted a warning on Facebook on Tuesday night about a possible sexual assault in the area, but police have not been able to substantiate what happened, a city spokesperson said.

In a concerning Facebook post on Tuesday, police wrote that a person posing as an Uber driver had picked up a woman in New York City to take her to Pennsylvania. But along the way, according to the post, the person stopped in Summit.

"Police are investigating a report of an attempted sexual assault perpetrated by an unknown actor posing as an Uber driver..." police posted. "The driver, described as a white male with a beard, reportedly exited Route 78, stopping on Glenside Avenue. The victim was able to escape from the vehicle unharmed." READ MORE: Summit Police Warn Of Assault

A city spokesperson said Wednesday, when asked for more details: "There are no updates on the case. The victim had no information and the police cannot substantiate what occurred."

The spokesperson said the alleged victim lives in Pennsylvania.

One person on Summit Patch pointed out that the information was only posted on Facebook, not communicated in an alert to residents via Nixle.

The city spokesperson explained, "When there is so little available information and no imminent danger to the community, we do not send out a Nixle."

The original post said, in full: "Police are investigating a report of an attempted sexual assault perpetrated by an unknown actor posing as an Uber driver who was transporting the victim from NYC to PA. The driver, described as a white male with a beard, reportedly exited Route 78, stopping on Glenside Avenue. The victim was able to escape from the vehicle unharmed. The suspect, who drove off in a dark colored sedan, unknown make, model or license plate, was last seen heading west on Glenside Avenue toward Berkeley Heights. No other details are available at this time."

Residents responded to the post by thanking the police for letting them know, and one advised, "always double check the plates of your Uber and the car you’re getting into."

Uber gives safety tips to riders, suggesting that they wait inside and confirm the license plate number and other information before getting into a car.

The report came just weeks after police charged a man with kidnapping after a teen victim said she was picked up while walking on a residential street in Summit. Residents have complained that nearby Route 24 is a "gateway" to crime. READ MORE: Summit Residents Want Answers In Alleged Kidnapping Of Teen

READ MORE: After Alleged Kidnap Attempt, Summit Police Make Video

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