Deadly bar trend endangers college town, tourist hot spot: how to stay safe
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In the dim lights of a Nashville bar or the buzz of a dorm social, a seemingly innocent sip can turn sinister if someone has access to your drink. 

Rising concerns in the Music City and nationwide prompted ex-Syracuse Police Detective Geoff Fahringer to highlight the opportunistic nature of drink spiking, a crime that flourishes in moments of distraction. He provided straightforward, proactive measures for self-protection.

“The first thing that comes to mind is that college students have to realize is that they’re not at home anymore. They’re not in that maybe much safer environment of a gated community or a small town, and they really have to change their mindset to a safety awareness mindset,” he told Fox News Digital.

Fahringer, who spent years patrolling Syracuse University, says the same rules apply whether you’re on Lower Broadway or at a rural campus bar.

“Criminals are predators, and they look at targets of opportunity. If you’re walking through a parking lot with your cell phone in your hand, totally oblivious, you’re the weak deer in the herd to the pack of coyotes,” he said.

Guests listening to a country music in Nashville, Tenn.

Guests listen to live music at Posty’s in Nashville July 2, 2025. Post Malone’s three-floor venue features six bars and three stages. (Andrew Nelles/The Tennessean/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Fahringer’s top prevention tips:

  • Only drink what you’ve poured or opened yourself
  • Watch each other’s backs when at a dorm party, a college bar or a house party
  • Use a safe word to let friends know you’re uncomfortable
  • Stay situationally aware, especially in loud and crowded venues.
  • Plan an escape route, if needed
Open shelves at a bar

The bar at The Patterson House restaurant in Nashville May 10, 2025. (Camden Hall/For The Tennessean/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

Recent studies suggest drink spiking is far from rare. According to Psychology of Violence, which surveyed over 6,000 students at a variety of campuses, about 1 in 13 college students report being drugged or suspect they were. Of the students who reported being drugged, 79% were female. 

Sexual assault was more common for female victims than for male victims, the study found. For example, 17% of female victims reported having unwanted sex, compared with 6% of male victims. 

Female victims were also more likely to report blacking out, with 74% reporting blacking out, compared to 51% of male victims, according to the study.

Have a plan before trouble starts

Fahringer said crafting a plan before getting into a sticky situation is the best tool for prevention.

“Being a deer in the headlights is not your plan,” he said. “Have a little strategy, talk with your friends and know what you’ll do if something starts going wrong.”

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