Man Follows Girls To Dorm Room At Rider U., Charged: Lawrence Police

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — A Ewing man was charged with burglary, criminal trespass and harassment after he followed two students to their room at Rider University, Lawrence police said Tuesday.

Around 12:35 p.m. on Monday, Lawrence Police were dispatched to Rider University campus for a report of a suspicious male. Johnny Rodriguez-Brito, 26, of Ewing was reportedly loitering on campus before following two female students on foot toward their residence hall, police said.

As the girls entered their residence hall, Rodriguez-Brito was able to enter behind them, following them toward their dorm room, police said.

Once the girls entered their room, Rodriguez-Brito remained in the hallway and approached their door, police said. Rodriguez-Brito was seen standing directly in front of their room, bending over, and attempting to look under the door and into the girl’s room, authorities said.

The students contacted Rider University Public Safety who responded and found Rodriguez-Brito in the residence hall. He identified himself as a food delivery driver and was escorted off-campus, according to police.

Rodriguez-Brito was charged with burglary, criminal trespass – peering and harassment. Rodriguez-Brito was arrested at his residence on Monday, and taken to Mercer County Correctional Center awaiting a detention hearing, police said.

This incident is under investigation by Det. James Steimle, Det. Ryan Dunn and Officer Kamil Zander of the Lawrence Police Department.

In a statement to Patch, Rider said its top priority is to keep the campus community safe.

“We are grateful for the cooperation between our students, Rider’s Public Safety and the Lawrence Township Police Department to assist with this incident,” spokesperson Kristine Brown said. “In addition to the criminal charges, Rodriquez-Brito has been served with a Persona Non Grata letter from Rider University, meaning he is not allowed on University property at any time.”

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Lawrence Township Police Detective Steimle at jsteimle@lawrencetwp.com or 609-844-7135.

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