A rash of carjackings and armed robberies has a New Orleans police commander suggesting that college students and women avoid traveling alone overnight when many of the crimes are committed, reports WWL-TV. “I would suggest to any female, if they can prevent it, do not travel alone overnight,” said Second District Commander Shaun Ferguson. “If you absolutely have to, stay on the phone with someone and let them know where you’re going. Keep them abreast of your whereabouts.”
A female Tulane University student was carjacked early yesterday when another car struck hers from the rear. As she got out of the car, three men from the other vehicle got out and one of them pushed her to the ground. That man got into her car, while the other two jumped into their vehicle and fled. Ferguson said the incident was one of perhaps three or four carjackings in the city. He said, “Should you come to a stop, should you be rear-ended for some unforeseen reason, if you do not feel comfortable where you are, I would say continue to a well-populated or well-lit area which you feel is more of a safe haven.”