83-Year-Old Woman Sexually Assaulted On Her Way To Church In Englewood, N.J.
ENGLEWOOD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) - An 83-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in a parking lot in Englewood, police said.
The attack took place in the back parking lot of the Korean Community Church on West Demarest Avenue near Waldo Place around 5:30 a.m. July 28 as the victim was on her way to early morning services.
The victim - a member of the church - was crossing the parking lot when she was attacked by a man in his 30s, authorities said.
Surveillance video shows the attacker tackling the woman to the ground outside the doors of a nearby building.
"This is as bad as it gets," Detective Captain Timothy Torrell told CBS2's Scott Rapoport. "They went down right here, and you can see in the video how hard she's being slammed into the corner of the doorway here."
The attack continued until the victim was able to wave down a passing vehicle.
The suspect walked calmly away. He's described as a Hispanic, in his 30s, about 5'6", wearing a hat, backpack, light colored pants and dark shoes.
The victim suffered minor injuries - bumps and bruises - but did not have to go to the hospital, Rapoport reported.
"It could've been far worse. I mean if that car didn't pull into the parking lot at the time, you saw what was taking place, God knows what would've happened," Torrell said. "What he would've done eventually."
Parishioner Chung Mi Kang told Rapoport the woman is a devout churchgoer and regular at the early morning service.
"It's terrible, it's terrible," she said. "We're definitely scared."
Police say the attack appears to be random, and that the victim didn't know her assailant. But they believe the suspect is from the area, and are urging residents to be careful and aware of their surroundings if walking late at night or early in the morning.
"You always want to think twice about going out alone," said one resident.
"It scares me. It really does scare me," another woman said.
Police said they are posting extra patrols in the area.
A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that significantly helps the investigation. Anyone with any information can submit a tip on the Bergen County Crime Stoppers website or by calling 1-844-466-6789. You can also contact detectives directly at 1-201-568-4875.
