Chapman’s Public Safety warns of unmarked taxi soliciting rides
An unmarked taxi (pictured) has been spotted in and around the city of Orange, attempting to offer rides to Chapman students. Photo collage by EMILY PARIS, Photo Editor, photo courtesy of Ricardo Gonzalez
In an April email sent out to the Chapman community, Chapman Dean of Students Jerry Price warned of an unmarked taxi offering students rides on campus.
Chief of Public Safety Ricardo Gonzalez told The Panther that the taxi was initially seen soliciting rides around Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and the city of Orange. However, the taxi was later spotted at Schmid Gate, attempting to further solicit rides from students at a busing event. The taxi was also reportedly seen at the Old Towne Plaza in Orange.
“This is new to Chapman,” Gonzalez said in regards to the taxi issue on campus. “We notified local law enforcement in the cities where the cab was spotted.”
According to the email, Price reiterated that students should only accept rides from known, licensed taxis or ride-sharing services. He also advised that anyone offering rides who seem suspicious should be immediately reported to Public Safety.
“For your safety, we encourage you to accept rides only from authorized taxis or ride-sharing services,” Price wrote. “If you are offered a ride by someone who seems suspicious, please report it to Public Safety.
Gonzalez also provided an image of the appearance of the taxi, in the event the driver further attempts to solicit rides from students.
“We called the Orange Police Department (OPD), who identified the driver and advised him to avoid the campus,” Gonzalez said after the taxi driver arrived at Schmid Gate. “Since then, we have had no further reports.”
Still, students should be aware of the taxi’s other locations in Newport and Huntington Beach, alongside the fact it could still be operating in Orange. Regardless, students should be able to remain safe as long as they decline a ride from this specific taxi.
Should students see it near campus again, they are advised to contact the OPD at (714) 744-7444 or Public Safety at (714) 997-6763.