Lyft driver charged after princeton university students report luring attempts — police lights

PRINCETON, N.J. — A rideshare driver from Middlesex County faces multiple criminal charges after two Princeton University students reported separate encounters in which a man allegedly approached them, handed them cash and attempted to lure them away near campus streets in April.

Mercer County Prosecutor Janetta D. Marbrey announced Tuesday that 28-year-old Dimario Wynter of Spotswood has been charged with two counts of third-degree luring and two counts of harassment connected to the incidents in Princeton. Prosecutors also charged Wynter with a disorderly persons offense for allegedly soliciting a sexual act from one of the victims.

Authorities identified Wynter as a Lyft driver during the investigation. He was arrested April 30 at the Princeton Police Department and later released pending future court appearances.

Student Reported Man Demanded Sexual Act

According to investigators, the first incident happened April 16 near Prospect Avenue around noon.

A Princeton University student told police that a man driving a vehicle stopped and asked her for directions. The suspect then allegedly handed her a $100 bill, exited the vehicle and quickly approached her while demanding a sexual act.

The student dropped the money and ran from the area, authorities said.

Investigators later identified the suspect vehicle as a black Jeep Patriot.

A second incident was reported the following morning, April 17, on Ivy Lane near the Princeton University campus.

Police said another student reported that a man driving a dark-colored van or SUV stopped at approximately 9:30 a.m., asked for directions and handed her a $100 bill while asking her to leave with him. The student returned the money, and the suspect drove away, according to authorities.

Investigation Linked Suspect to Rideshare Platform

The investigation was led by Detective Martin Krzywicki of the Princeton University Department of Public Safety. Authorities said investigative work connected Wynter to both encounters and identified him as a rideshare driver working for Lyft.

Prosecutors did not say whether either alleged encounter involved an active rideshare trip or whether the students had any prior contact with the suspect.

The charges filed against Wynter include:

Two counts of third-degree luring
Two counts of harassment
One disorderly persons offense for alleged solicitation of a sexual act

Key Points

• Mercer County prosecutors charged a Lyft driver with luring in two Princeton incidents
• Two Princeton University students reported being approached and handed $100 bills
• Investigators identified 28-year-old Dimario Wynter of Spotswood as the suspect

Authorities Seek Additional Information

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office described the investigation as ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Investigators have not said whether they believe additional incidents may have occurred involving other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office Sgt. Ed Hughes at (609) 989-6441. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the prosecutor’s office website.

The incidents drew attention because both encounters followed a similar pattern involving a driver stopping near university areas, asking for directions and offering cash before allegedly attempting to lure the students.

Charges Carry Serious Consequences

Under New Jersey law, third-degree luring charges can carry significant penalties if a defendant is convicted. Prosecutors have not yet announced a court date for Wynter.

Officials emphasized that criminal charges are accusations and that Wynter remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and Princeton University Department of Public Safety continue investigating the reported encounters near campus.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.