BE ALERT & AWARE: SEXUAL ASSAULT ALONG THE D&R'S BERM NEAR KINGSTON

IMPORTANT UPDATE - AUGUST 10, 2022
Man Charged with Sexually Assaulting Women in NJ Parks, Officials Say

BE ALERT AND AWARE - September 30, 2021

We are asking our park users to always be on alert, aware and use caution, especially those who enjoy hiking solo. This assault occurred along the berm side of the canal in the Kingston/South Brunswick/Plainsboro area of the park. The berm trail is part of the larger trail system that is accessible from the Kingston Office as well as from the Kingston area of the park.  Anyone with information about this assault please contact the police as described below and detailed in the article linked here.

Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone, Chief Fred Tavener of the Plainsboro Police Department, and Chief Raymond Hayducka of the South Brunswick Police Department announce authorities are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual believed to be involved in an aggravated sexual assault that occurred in the area of Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park on the border of Plainsboro and South Brunswick Townships.

The suspect is believed to be a Latino male, approximately 5’5” – 5’6” tall, wearing dark-colored clothing and a dark baseball cap  (see the released sketch of the suspect). The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage of the area is asked to contact Detective Sue Kowalski of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3287, Detective Patrick Miller of the Plainsboro Police Department at (609)799-2333, or Detective Dominick Delucia of the South Brunswick Police Department at (732)329-4646. Tips may also be submitted to www.middlesextips.com

We ask the public to be vigilant and always aware when enjoying the towpath and the many trails available at the D&R Canal State Park. Your safety is paramount! The New Jersey State Park Police is coordinating with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office and has stepped up patrols in the park.

In an effort to educate and empower our park visitors we are sharing some basic steps and tips from the South Brunswick Police Department below that should be followed every day when out and about at the park and elsewhere. These will help you to stay alert, increase awareness of your surroundings, be present and stay safe. And of course report anything suspicious or concerning to the proper authorities.


PERSONAL SAFETY

  1. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your head up while walking and walk with a purpose. Pay attention visually to the actions and behaviors of those who are walking around.
  2. Trust your instincts.
  3. Be ready to take defensive action if necessary. This could be as simple as crossing the street and entering a populated area.
  4. Walk or jog in groups of two or more.
  5. Avoid isolated or dark areas.
  6. Travel with confidence and purpose.
  7. Limit headphones while walking or jogging.
  8. Know the locations of emergency phones.
  9. Do not use ATMs at night, in poorly lit or remote areas.
  10. Stay alert, and ahead of "What if...?"
  11. Report suspicious actvity or persons to the police immediately by calling 911.

PROPERTY & VEHICLE SECURITY

  1. Take your valuables (laptops, cell phones, MP3 players, etc) with you. Do not leave them unattended when you leave for "just a minute", even for a restroom break. This is the single best deterrent to intruders.
  2. Conceal or hide power cords from cell phones, iPods & GPS units when left unattended within your vehicle.
  3. Lock your vehicle.
  4. Anti-theft devices such as the "Club" and car alarms may deter a thief from burglarizing or stealing your vehicle.
  5. Do not hide spare keys under your car.
  6. Record serial numbers of bicycles, computers or other electronics, and keep these numbers in a safe place, separate from the devices. In the event these devices are lost or stolen, these serial numbers may assist the Police with locating your property.