Wednesday, July 21, 2021
BRIDGEWATER TWP., - Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police Paul Payne announced an investigation into a sexual assault that occurred in Duke Island Park, Bridgewater, New Jersey at approximately 8:45 pm on Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Bridgewater Township.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on July 18, 2021, at approximately 9:07 p.m., Bridgewater Township Police responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting a sexual assault at Duke Island Park. Upon arrival, officers met with an adult female victim, who reported being sexually assaulted by an unknown male while riding her bike in the park. Detectives from the Bridgewater Police Department responded to conduct the initial investigation.
The victim reported to authorities that the unknown male suspect came up behind her when she stopped momentarily to use her cellular telephone. The victim stated the male held a knife to her throat and asked for her money. After handing over her money, the victim reported that the male sexually assaulted her in the nearby bushes and then fled the area on a bicycle towards the direction of Raritan. The victim described the suspect as a Hispanic male approximately 5’4” to 5’6” between 151 lbs. and 175 lbs. with a medium to stocky build and olive to dark skin complexion. The male was reported to be approximately in his 30’s with short black hair wearing a black hood and dark pants.
On Monday, July 19, 2021, Detectives from Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Sex Crimes Unit were notified and assisted Bridgewater Detectives in the ongoing investigation. As a result of the active ongoing investigation, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, a composite sketch of the alleged suspect was generated by a composite sketch artist assigned to the New Jersey State Police Forensic Artist Unit. Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance with any information as to the potential identification of the suspect. Authorities urge the public not to confront the suspect and notify police.
Prosecutor Robertson, Chief Fodor, and Chief Payne request anyone with information relating to the sexual 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.
The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smartphone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. 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.
Note: The following information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed.