Man Charged In Assault, Robbery Behind Bridgewater Church

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — An Ocean County man faces multiple charges in connection with the robbery and assault of a woman behind a church in Bridgewater this July, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office said.

Officials identified 45-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Brick as the suspect who came up behind a woman on a path behind the church, covered her eyes and mouth, and struggled with her before taking her cell phone, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald in a news release.

Rodriguez faces second-degree charges of robbery, attempted aggravated sexual assault, and attempted sexual assault, McDonald said in a joint news release with Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr. and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John B. Mitzak.

Investigators with the prosecutor's office and Bridgewater PD identified Rodriguez as the suspect in the July 9 assault and arrested him Wednesday, Oct. 18 in Jackson without incident, officials said. He is lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing, the prosecutor's office said.

Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench commended Mitzak "and his dedicated team of investigators" along with McDonald's office for making the arrest.

"This sends a loud and clear message that crime is not tolerated in Bridgewater and our Police Department will not rest until those who seek to damage our community are brought to justice," Moench said in a statement.

A 911 call reported the theft in progress and assault on Sunday, July 9 at around 9:54 a.m. on the path behind the Blessed Sacrament Church at 1890 Washington Valley Road in Bridgewater, officials said.

When officers arrived they met with an adult woman, a Bridgewater resident, who reported being assaulted by an unknown man while walking the path behind the church.

The victim said she was walking on the path behind the church when the suspect came up behind her and placed his hands over her eyes and mouth, said McDonald.

The victim began to struggle with the suspect before both fell to the ground, where the suspect took the victim’s cellphone and fled the area, said McDonald.

The victim chased after the suspect and saw him get into a dark-colored SUV and leave the area, said McDonald.

Officials still ask anyone with additional information relating to the assault to contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Sex Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at 908-722-4111 or via the STOPit app.

Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.

Original article:

• Man Robbed, Assaulted Woman Behind Bridgewater Church: Prosecutor