SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Police Department is investigating after someone acting as a rideshare driver sexually assaulted a San Diego State student Sunday. The student told police they were picked up by what was believed to be a rideshare around 1:50 a.m., was sexually assaulted and then dropped off on 70th Street off campus.
San Diego State alerted students about the reported sexual assault. The San Diego Police Department's Sex Crimes Unit is leading the investigation. Police said the victim got into the believed rideshare somewhere on a residential street south of the main SDSU campus. The male driver allegedly drove her around the College Area and sexually assaulted her inside the car before dropping her off.
The suspect is described as a man in his mid 20s and was driving a sedan, police said. The reported sexual assault happened just as San Diego State's police department increased patrols in the College Area for the return of students back to campus. CBS 8 spoke with SDSU students who say they will remain vigilant.
"Definitely scary first week of school like anything can happen so just staying alert," said freshman Cynthia.
Another freshman who wished to be identified as Alli agreed.
"It's definitely eye opening to know we do have to be more alert to our surroundings and pay closer attention," she said.
Many students told CBS 8 they try to be extra cautious when using rideshares like Uber or Lyft.
"I always check the license plate. I walk around the car and check it on my phone," said freshman Lyla Logan.
Uber has safety tips for riders such as sitting in the backseat especially if the passenger is riding alone. Passengers can also share their trip details with loved ones by tapping "share trip status" in the app. Uber recommends asking the driver to confirm the passenger's name before getting into the car.
"That's exactly what I do. I don't say, like 'I'm Simon.' I say who are you here for," said freshman Simon Dohmeier.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the SCU at (619) 531-2210 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477 and can reference case #23037066.
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