Jogger Robbed And Assaulted On Maplewood Street: Police

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A young man out for a jog in Maplewood was suddenly assaulted by two men he attempted to pass on the street Wednesday morning, police said. Now they are searching for the attackers.

Police said that the victim, 18, was "out for a jog" on Boyden Avenue around 1 a.m. on Wednesday. Police said two men were walking toward him. He attempted to go around them, but one of them punched him in the face, he told police.

The punch caused the teen to fall, police said. Then, "The suspects assaulted the victim while making demands for his belongings. The victim was able to get up and run away from them. The suspects did not get any of the victim's belongings."

When the teen was taken to the hospital, "The injuries sustained were serious enough for the victim to be admitted for further treatment," police said. However, the injuries are not life-threatening, they said.

The suspects are described as two men dressed in dark clothing, both possibly in their early 20s, one tall and thin wearing a mask. The other was described as 5’8, stocky, with a beard, and not wearing a mask.

"What we have learned so far is that these suspects were surveilling the area on foot for a while prior to this incident," said Chief Jimmy DeVaul. "The public is encouraged to call the police when they observe suspicious activity."

Police have not determined if a vehicle is involved, he said.

There were several recent robberies of women in Maplewood. READ MORE: Man Charged In Armed Robbery Of Woman In Maplewood

Anyone with information can call Detective Lt. Palmerezzi at 973-761-7913 or email MPALMEREZZI@TWP.MAPLEWOOD.NJ.US

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