SOUTH BRUNSWICK: Missing college student found

By Davy James, Staff Writer
   A 17-year-old township resident who was missing for three days was found after reaching out to authorities for help.
   Shahan Akhter, a commuter student at Rutgers University who lives in the Monmouth Walk development in South Brunswick, was reported missing Oct. 15 by his parents after he didn’t return home.
   ”His parents came in at 2 a.m. on Friday morning and reported him missing,” said police spokesman James Ryan. “While we were doing the paperwork, Rutgers University police had begun their own investigation after they found his car on campus abandoned in a parking lot near the football stadium.”
   Sgt. Ryan said Mr. Akhter’s parents had noticed some unusual behavior in their son, believing he was depressed, and were concerned for his safety. After coordinating their investigation with Rutgers campus police, investigators attempted to track down Mr. Akhter through cellular phone and financial activity, but were unsuccessful.
   At about 12:30 a.m. Oct. 17, Mr. Akhter approached a Rutgers campus police officer looking for help, according to police. He was unhurt and taken to a hospital for observation.
   Police said it is unclear where Mr. Akhter was during the three days he was missing, and the family has asked for privacy regarding this matter.