After Kidnap Incident, Summit Cops Make Video On Personal Safety

Summit NJ

22 April, 2021

8:50 PM

Description

SUMMIT, NJ — A little over a week after a 19-year-old woman was apparently kidnapped off the streets of Summit — and managed to escape — police have released a video addressed to "boys and girls," meant to keep them safe. In the video, Det. Sgt. Ryan Peters advises, "Always check with one of your grownups before going anywhere, helping anyone, accepting anything, or getting into a car." Peters advises kids to pay attention to their surroundings and not just their phone, avoid taking shortcuts through the woods alone, remember their loved ones' phone numbers, and if someone tries to grab them, get the attention of another adult. On April 12, Summit police charged a 33-year-old Union Township man with kidnapping. The day before, he allegedly approached a 19-year-old woman who was walking in Summit around 4 p.m. The girl was reportedly shoved into the trunk of a car, and managed to escape after calling 911. Shervon James was charged with first-degree kidnapping and is now incarcerated. Residents have asked for more answers and information about the incident. One parent who lives on Fernwood Road said her neighbors are hoping to close off access from Route 24 to their street, as it's a "gateway" to higher-crime areas. Want to be the first in your town to get breaking news alerts, or a daily morning newsletter of news in your town? You can sign up for Patch alerts and/or a free a daily digest of news here: Sign up and choose your preferences. Got news? Email [email protected]. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.