Police: Driver Pepper-Sprayed By Stranger On Road In Colts Neck, N.J.

COLTS NECK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Police on Colts Neck, New Jersey were trying to find the suspect behind a pepper spray attack on a driver this week.

The attack happened just before midnight Tuesday in the area of Five Points and Stone Hill roads, according to a police news release.

A woman pulled to the shoulder when she was approached by a second vehicle that was flashing its headlights, police said.

The second driver, a man, parked behind woman and got out of the car, police said. He asked for directions and then sprayed the woman with pepper spray or a similar irritant, police said.

The victim drove off and was not followed, police said.

The suspect was described as a black male at least 6 feet tall, with a heavy set build and short hair. He was wearing jeans and a white polo shirt with blue stripes, police said.

The vehicle was described as possibly a silver or sandy-colored four door sedan, police said.

The attack was similar to incidents in 2014 in Freehold and Colts Neck, police said.

Anyone with additional information was asked to call the Colts Neck police Detective Bureau at (732) 780-7323 or detectives@coltsneckpolice.com.

Colts Neck police also advised the following crime prevention tips:

• Be alert of your surroundings at all times;

• Drive on well-traveled and well-lit roads when possible;

• Keep your vehicle door locked at all times when parked or in motion;

• Check your mirrors often;

• Leave an escape route when stopping at intersections;

• If approached by someone who is not clearly a police officer or a person you know, do not lower your window or open the door;

• Go to a police station or a well-lit public space, and not home, if you suspect you are being followed;

• Keep our vehicle in good shape to avoid breakdowns;

• If you feel threatened, use a car horn or alarm to signal for help.