Police: Woman Assaulted on Black Oak Ridge Road Friday Morning

A female resident was reportedly assaulted on Black Oak Ridge Road shortly before 6 a.m. Friday, said Detective Capt. James Clarke.

The 58-year-old resident was walking along Black Oak Ridge Road on her way to work at 5:45 a.m. when she was approached on foot by a white male at the intersection of Furman Drive, Clarke said.

Authorities said the man allegedly asked the woman for 50 cents, who told the man “no” and continued walking south on Black Oak Ridge Road.

Clarke said the man attacked the woman from behind and attempted to snatch her purse, yelling at her “let go.” The man covered the woman’s mouth after she began to scream, Clarke said.

The woman was knocked to the ground and repeatedly assaulted by the man, Clarke said. The woman reportedly bit one of the man's hands, possibly his left hand, Clarke said.

The man fled the scene in a black pickup truck when a man exited his house, authorities said. The truck had “4x4,” possibly outlined in red, on the bed of the truck, Clarke said. The vehicle headed south on Black Oak Ridge Road, Clarke said.

The woman sustained injuries to both arms and her face, Clarke said. She refused medical attention offered by the police, Clarke said.

The man is described as being white, 35 to 40 years old, 5 feet 8 inches tall with a thin build, shaved head and calloused hands, Clarke said.

Residents are urged to immediately contact the Wayne Police Department when observing suspicious activity in town.

Anyone with information regarding the incident can contact Detetive Colin Tarpey at 973-633-3537 or via e-mail at tarpeyc@waynetownship.com.