Woman attacked in Berlin, NJ park; suspect loose
BERLIN, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police are telling the public to be on alert after a woman was attacked in a Camden County park on Thursday morning.
Authorities say it was around 9 a.m. when the victim, a woman in her 20's, was running on the Kichkinet Trail in the Berlin Park in Berlin Borough, New Jersey, when she was assaulted from behind.
"A male jumped out at her, there was a scuffle, he grabbed at her shirt," said Sgt. Mike Miller. "We believe a sexual assault was attempting to take place."
The victim was able to get away and lock herself in her vehicle. She lost her phone during the assault, so a passerby called 911.
Officers arrived with police dogs to look for the attacker, and the New Jersey State Police helicopter was called in to help in the search.
Police said the suspect is an 'unknown white male,' but no further details were available.
The victim was evaluated at the hospital but is physically fine.
The attack has local residents on edge.
"That's terrifying. I always run with my mom and sister but that's probably why. That it is so close to home is even scarier. It's something we do every day," said Brenna Frick.
"It's something you've got to think about now, all the time," said Ryan Rydzewski.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Camden County Prosecutor's Office Detective Matt Barber at (856) 225-5166 or Berlin Borough Police Det. Sgt. Mike Scheer at (856) 767-4700.
