Suspect wanted for allegedly attacking woman in Northfield park
NORTHFIELD, N.J. (WPVI) -- Police in Northfield, Atlantic County are looking for a man suspected of attacking a woman in a park.
Police released video of the man they believe dropped his pants and grabbed the victim as she was jogging in Birch Grove Park on May 7 around 4:30 p.m.
Since the attack, some residents say they've changed their routines.
"Sometimes my daughter goes back there. Sometimes teenagers like to take pictures for their Instagram but i just told her don't go back there alone," said Jill Asuncion of Northfield.
The victim told police she was jogging along the trail when she passed a white or Hispanic man who was about 5'11", 25-35 years old, with a thin build, round face, dark hair and a slight mustache, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and grey sweats.
Police drew up a sketch based on her description.
The woman said as she approached him, he dropped his pants and then lunged at her, grabbing her shirt collar.
Fortunately, the victim was able to push the man away and she ran off.
Lynn Rivera visits the park often.
She says she jogged along the same trails just hours before the attack happened.
"I sat in my car for an hour because I was scared the next time to run," said Rivera, of Somerset.
While some residents said they now avoid these trails altogether if they're alone, others said it won't keep them away but they won't be caught off guard.
Rivera says she never considered avoiding the park, instead she chooses to come prepared just in case.
"(I bring) a little pocket knife and some mace," she said. "Don't let one person ruin the whole thing."
If the person in the video or sketch looks familiar, you are asked to contact authorities.
