HIGHTSTOWN, NJ — Hightstown Police Chief Frank G. Gendron addressed community concerns this week in response to a sexual assault reported over the weekend, confirming that police are investigating two separate incidents that occurred several months apart.
A 34-year-old woman was physically and sexually assaulted while walking in the area of Park Way and Rogers Avenue around 7:30 p.m. Friday, the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office said. The woman told police she was approached from behind by an unknown man. No arrests have been made and no suspects have been identified.
"I understand that many of you have questions and concerns regarding the assault reported over the past weekend," Gendron wrote in a letter to residents. "These circumstances are understandably unsettling."
The Hightstown Police Department is investigating the incidents in coordination with the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, with additional assistance from law enforcement partners at the local, county, state and federal levels, Gendron said. Both cases remain active investigations, and at this early stage, authorities have not determined whether the two incidents are connected.
Gendron said certain details about the investigations must remain confidential to protect their integrity, but that the department will release information as it becomes available.
"Because of the sensitive nature of the investigation, certain details must remain confidential to protect the integrity of the case," Gendron said. "Any information that may help protect our residents and visitors will be shared as soon as it can be released."
In response to the incidents, the Hightstown Police Department will increase patrols throughout the borough for the foreseeable future, Gendron said. He urged residents to remain vigilant and follow basic safety practices when in public, including staying aware of their surroundings, traveling with others whenever possible, and promptly reporting suspicious activity by calling 911.
"Hightstown remains a safe community," Gendron said. "However, as in every community, no place is entirely free from crime. We recognize that these events may cause fear and concern."
Gendron thanked residents for their cooperation as the investigations continue and asked the community to look out for one another.
Anyone with information related to either incident is asked to contact Lt. Benjamin Miller at 609-448-1234 ext. 508, Det. Philip Esposito at 609-448-1234 ext. 553, or Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Det. Natalie Martinez at 609-331-4318. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at mercercountyprosecutor.com/tips.
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