South Orange Woman Allegedly Assaulted By Home Intruder, Cops Seek Suspect

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — South Orange police are searching for a man who allegedly assaulted a Ward Place resident in her home during a possible burglary attempt, authorities say.

According to the South Orange Police Department, the incident took place around 10:15 a.m. on Feb. 22, when the female resident was on the third floor of her home.

The victim told officers that she heard noises coming from the floor below, and when she went to investigate she found a male intruder in her home.

When the intruder saw her, he allegedly “assaulted her physically,” striking her about the body with his fists, police said.

The intruder then fled the home on foot, the victim told police.

She described the suspect as an unshaven black male about 30-years-old, about 5 feet 9 inches to 6 feet, wearing a black-hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans, police said.

Police said that the suspect apparently gained entry through a rear sliding door and was preparing to remove items from the home the same way he got in.

The South Orange Police Department released a composite sketch of the suspect which was completed by the Forensic Artist Unit of the New Jersey State Police. [SEE PHOTO]

An investigation is ongoing. Anyone having information related to this incident can contact Detective Lieutenant Brian McGuire with the South Orange Police Department at (973) 763-3000, ext.7788.

Suspect Sketch: New Jersey State Police