The Auburn Police Division has investigated reports of a suspicious van downtown offering rides to women and found that no criminal activity occurred, according to a press release from APD published Friday.
On April 24, Auburn University Campus Safety and Security sent out an advisory to students and faculty alerting them of a report of a man driving a white cargo van offering a free ride to a female student on West Magnolia Avenue near Chipotle in the early morning. Campus Safety said that the student reported having seen tools in the back of the van which had no rear seats and then running away from the van, at which point the vehicle left the area.
Two days later, Campus Safety sent another email with more information about the suspect and vehicle after three more women reported similar activity occurring the same night, April 24, both on campus and off campus. One woman accepted the ride and reported that the man driving the van took her to another location and attempted to kiss her. She then exited the vehicle and the man in the van drove away.
On April 29, APD identified and interviewed a male suspect associated with the reported incidents. After the interview and further investigation, including interviews with “multiple witnesses,” APD said that no criminal activity occurred related to the reported incidents.
“After a thorough investigation, which included reviewing surveillance videos, concentrated patrols and a threat assessment, the driver of the white van was located and interviewed,” said Assistant Police Chief Clarence Stewart. “The subject was eventually released after it was confirmed that no criminal act occurred.”
Although there are no criminal charges associated with the reported incidents, APD said it urges residents to notify police of any ongoing suspicious activity by calling 911.
APD requests that anyone with additional information call the Detective Section, 334-501-3140, or the tip line, 334-246-1391.
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Evan Mealins, senior in philosophy and economics, is the editor-in-chief of The Auburn Plainsman.
