Man Robbed, Assaulted Woman Behind Bridgewater Church: Prosecutor

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A photo of a man, wanted in connection with the robbery and assault of a woman walking behind a church in Bridgewater, was released by authorities on Monday in hopes of generating any leads.

The 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 im Bridgewater, said Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John B. Mitzak.

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.

The victim described the suspect as a light-skinned man, approximately 5’5 with an average build. The man was reported to be in his 30’s or 40’s wearing a button-down short-sleeve shirt, white T-shirt, shorts, and a hat.

Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit along with detectives from the Bridgewater Police Department searched the area. Detectives found the victim’s cellphone.

An ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bridgewater Police Department.

"I am grateful for the prompt and decisive response from the Bridgewater Police Department and the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office in this abhorrent incident," said Bridgewater Mayor Matthew Moench. "These law enforcement agencies have activated every necessary resource to ensure justice is served. Bridgewater is not a town where such crimes can be committed without consequences. We will continue to support the ongoing investigation and take every measure to ensure the safety and well-being of our residents."

The investigation has determined this to be an isolated incident limited to the area of the path behind the Blessed Sacrament Church and did not involve any services or parishioners of the church at the time of this incident.

Anyone with information relating to the assault is asked 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.

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