Strange Driver Solicits Student

An unknown person claiming to be a university employee solicited a student to enter his vehicle Monday morning, according to a broadcast email from Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety Jay Gruber.

According to the e-mail, the student was walking in Burleith near campus when the unknown suspect approached. Though the suspect claimed to be a university employee, he did not have a Georgetown University identification card and was not driving a university vehicle. 
The student did not enter the vehicle and reported the incident to the police.

Though it has so far appeared to be an isolated event, Gruber sent the broadcast to inform the university community of the incident and remind them of necessary safety precautions. 
In the email, he advised walking in well-lit areas, staying aware of surroundings and walking without earbuds in addition to stressing that people should never accept rides from strangers.

“Luckily for us, the student didn’t go over and called the police immediately,” he said. “We thought this would be a good time to send out tips to our community.”

According to Gruber, the university never instructs employees or contractors working for the university to assist or provide rides for students in unmarked vehicles. All university employees who work in public safety positions have Georgetown identification, many wear uniforms and all university vehicles are marked with logos. 
The university does offer shuttle and ride services to students, but these services are clearly marked as being affiliated with the university.

Such services include Department of Public Safety escorts, Student Neighborhood Assistance Program team members, Safe Rides vehicles and neighborhood shuttles.

“It’s like we hear when we’re young: Don’t take a ride with strangers, [and] don’t talk to strangers,” Gruber said.


Hoya Staff Writer Lily 
Westergaard contributed 
to this report.