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Police Hope Grainy Video Will Lead To Capture Of Roselle Park Sex Attack Suspect

ROSELLE PARK. N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police in New Jersey are on the hunt for a predator accused of attacking a woman who simply said 'hello' to him, while she jogged.

The woman fought back in a big way and now, police in Roselle Park are hoping surveillance video will lead to an arrest.

The grainy video of the man police are seeking was taken just before he allegedly attacked the woman.

"It's very shocking and it's unfortunate, but we're very thankful for many reasons and she's on the mend," the victim's husband told CBS 2's John Slattery.

The attack happened two Saturdays ago on East Westfield Avenue at 6:45 a.m. The 41-year-old woman told police she was jogging in the area when she approached a man who was walking.

"She said 'good morning' to the male at which time he grabbed her arm and began punching her in the face and pulled her to the ground. She struggled, bit his hands so hard that she loosened teeth in her mouth," Roselle Park Police Chief Paul Morrison said.

Police believe the intent may have been sexual assault.

"It appears he had other intentions, but due her struggling, fighting back and biting his hard, we believe he decided to go elsewhere," Morrison said.

The victim, who lives a half-mile away from the scene of the attack, ran home to call police and report her injuries.

"She had a cut on her eye and a blow to the head, but she's doing fine," the victim's husband said, adding that his wife needed a number of stitches.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6-feet tall with a stocky build, who was seen wearing a football team emblem on the back of his hooded sweatshirt or jacket.

The scary incident has neighbors understandably upset.

"It concerns me because I walk all over town. I'm very concerned," Brooke Paskewich said.

"Westfield Avenue has a lot of transients. There's apartments, a lot of bus stops, a lot of small stores. Could be anyone I guess," George Keller said.

Police believe the attacker, who may have been homeless, attempted a crime of opportunity.

Wednesday afternoon, Roselle Park police reported they had some leads. No arrests have been made so far.

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