Maplewood Woman Sexually Assaulted: Prosecutor

MAPLEWOOD, NJ – Police are searching for a man who forced his way into the home of a Maplewood woman and sexually assaulted her, according to Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Maplewood Police Chief Police Chief Jim DeVaul.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Maplewood Police Department’s preliminary investigation indicates that a man followed a young woman to her home, forced his way into her house and sexually assaulted her, police said.

According to officials, the woman first encountered the man around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

She was transported to an area hospital, where she was treated and released, and the suspect in the assault remains at large, police said.

DeVaul said residents should call 911 if they see a suspicious person, vehicle or activity. DeVaul said residents should be wary of their surroundings, especially when walking alone, and not to share personal information with strangers.

“Do not open your door to strangers, talk through an open window if you have to,” DeVaul said. “And call 911 if you are being followed.”

DeVaul asked parents to have a discussion with their children on safety.

“Until further notice the Maplewood Police will have additional personnel assigned to ensure the safety of our community,” DeVaul said. “Maplewood will provide a minimum of daily updates in the investigation as it proceeds and as information becomes available.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-TIPS-4EC or 1-877-847-7432.

Patch will be following this story and updating it as details come in.

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

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