Teen Charged In Hightstown Sex Assaults Has No Ties To High School, Families Told

HIGHTSTOWN, NJ — The 18-year-old charged in two sexual assaults in Hightstown is not a student at the local high school, the principal told families.

In a letter to parents and caregivers on Friday, Principal Jonathan Dauber said the suspect "is not a current student at Hightstown High School and is not a member of our school community."

The letter came after community members raised concerns about whether the accused was part of the school district

Christian Arevalo, 18, of Hightstown, was arrested and charged Wednesday, a day after the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office released surveillance video and asked the public for help identifying a person of interest. Several anonymous tips led detectives to Arevalo, according to the prosecutor's office. Read more: 18-Year-Old Arrested In Hightstown Sexual Assault After Video Release

Authorities said a 34-year-old woman was approached from behind and physically and sexually assaulted around 8 p.m. on Sept. 11 while walking near Park Way and Rogers Avenue. Arevalo faces charges in that case including two counts of first-degree aggravated sexual assault.

During the investigation, detectives connected Arevalo to an earlier incident. Around 9:40 p.m. on Aug. 12, a Hightstown woman told police a man approached her on North Main Street and touched her inappropriately, then ran off when she yelled, according to authorities. Arevalo faces charges in that case including third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact.

The prosecutor's office has filed a motion to detain Arevalo pending trial.

In the letter, Dauber said the school has comprehensive security measures in place to keep the campus safe every day.

"The safety, security, and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities," Dauber wrote.

The principal also acknowledged that news of the assaults may be weighing on students and families.

"We recognize that news of this nature can cause concern and raise unsettling feelings for students and families alike," Dauber wrote.

School counselors are available for any student who has concerns, feels anxious or needs someone to talk to, according to the letter.

Local faith leaders are holding a candlelight vigil Sept. 28 at the Memorial Park Bridge in support of survivors.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information, or who has had a similar encounter, is asked to contact Sgt. Sherika Salmon at 609-960-3119 or Detective Natalie Martinez at 609-331-4318. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at mercercountyprosecutor.com/tips.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com