Springfield Man Allegedly Sexually Assaulted 1 Woman, Threatened Another: Prosecutor

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A Union County man was arrested for sexually assaulting one woman at gun and knife-point and threatening another during a span of less than two weeks in July, authorities announced.

Tarik Gourdine, 22, of Rosewood Avenue in Springfield is charged with first-degree aggravated sexual assault, first-degree robbery, two related weapons offenses, and third-degree criminal restraint in connection with an incident that took place on July 8, according to acting Union County Prosecutor Grace H. Park and Springfield Police Chief John Cook.

Gourdine was also charged with second-degree attempted aggravated sexual assault, two related weapons offenses, and third-degree criminal restraint in connection with an incident that took place on July 21.

Gourdine allegedly sexually assaulted a woman, threatening her with a handgun and a knife, and stole her cell phone during the first incident, which took place in the mechanical room of an apartment building, according to the report.

In the second incident, he is alleged to have attempted to sexually assault a different woman at knifepoint in her vehicle before she managed to escape and flee the scene, according to the report.

Neither woman knew their alleged attacker before the incidents took place.

Gourdine was arrested following a traffic stop Friday afternoon and lodged in Union County Jail on $550,000 bail. He is expected to make his first appearance in court during the coming days.

These matters remain under investigation, and anyone with additional information about Gourdine’s activities is being urged to contact Springfield Police Detective Ziegler at 973-912- 2250 or Detective Estevez at 973-912- 2241.

(Image via Union County Prosecutor's Office: Tarik Gourdine, 22, of Rosewood Avenue in Springfield)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.