Crime & Safety

Summit Police Warn Of Assault By Person 'Posing As Uber Driver'

The Summit Police posted the warning about a sexual assault Tuesday night, and said the person may be heading toward Berkeley Heights.

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Police posted a warning on Tuesday night about a possible sexual assault by someone posing as an Uber driver, who apparently picked a person up in New York City and made a stop in Summit en route to Pennsylvania.

[UPDATE: A Police Department spokesperson said Wednesday that the police had not been able to substantiate the report. Read more here.]

On Facebook, police wrote at around 8 p.m.:

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"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 Rt. 78, stopping on Glenside Avenue [in Summit]. The victim was able to escape from the vehicle unharmed."

Police added, "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."

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Patch will post more details as they become available.

The report came just weeks after Summit 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

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

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