Police have increased patrols and are searching for possible additional victims as authorities investigate two sexual assaults reported months apart in Hightstown, including an attack Friday evening on a 34-year-old woman who told investigators a stranger assaulted her.
The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Hightstown Police Department said the latest assault occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 near Park Way and Rogers Avenue.
The woman told police she was walking in the area when an unknown man approached her from behind and physically and sexually assaulted her, according to the prosecutor’s office.
No arrests have been made, and authorities said they have not identified a suspect.
Police are also investigating a separate sexual assault that occurred months earlier in Hightstown. Authorities have not released detailed information about that case and said investigators have not determined whether the two incidents are connected.
Hightstown Police Chief Frank Gendron acknowledged Monday that the investigations could cause anxiety among residents and said authorities are taking additional precautions.
“Hightstown remains a safe community. However, as in every community, no place is entirely free from crime,” Gendron said. “We recognize that these events may cause fear and concern.”
Gendron said both investigations remain active and are being conducted with assistance from local, county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Police have increased patrols in response to the assaults and are asking residents to remain alert, be aware of their surroundings, and travel with others when possible.
Authorities are also asking for anyone who might have had a similar experience to come forward, suggesting investigators may be looking into more than the two cases already known to police.
New Jersey consistently reports relatively low rates of violent crime compared with many other states, but authorities remind residents that statistics don’t mean they can let their guard down when it comes to staying aware of possible dangers in their own neighborhoods.
Anyone with information about either assault, or who believes they may have experienced a similar encounter, is asked to contact Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit Sgt. Sherika Salmon at 609-960-3119 or Detective Natalie Martinez at 609-331-4318. Anonymous tips may be submitted through the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office website.
Authorities said anyone witnessing suspicious activity should promptly contact law enforcement and anyone facing an immediate threat should call 911.
Help is available for survivors
Confidential assistance is available around the clock for people affected by sexual assault.
The New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault operates a 24-hour statewide hotline at 1-800-601-7200. The National Sexual Assault Hotline, operated by RAINN, can be reached at 800-656-HOPE (4673).
The New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence operates a 24-hour hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233).
Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.
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