Princeton Police Identify Man Who Grabbed Girl

princeton policePolice have identified the man who grabbed an 11-year-old girl in Princeton last Tuesday night. The man is autistic, and police said there was no criminal intent.

“The Princeton Police Department investigated this incident and a person was identified,” reads a press release sent by the police this afternoon regarding the case. “Based on further investigation, this individual has a neurodevelopmental disorder. There was no criminal intent by this individual and there is no concern for public safety.”

The man grabbed the girl from behind on Moore Street Tuesday night just after 8 p.m.The girl said the man grabbed her in a bear hug, and then fled after she screamed, pushed him away and was thrown to the ground. The incident happened south of Valley Road near Princeton High School.

The New Jersey State Police released a sketch of the man last Thursday.