BRIDGEWATER, N.J. – A morning stroll turned horrifying for a local resident as she experienced an assault and robbery on a quiet path behind the Blessed Sacrament Church on Washington Valley Road.
The assailant, Elias Rodriguez, 45, of Brick, New Jersey, has been apprehended and is facing serious charges, announced Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police John B. Mitzak.
On the morning of July 9, 2023, at around 9:54 a.m., the tranquility of the Bridgewater Township was shattered as a 9-1-1 call relayed a theft in progress on the aforementioned path. Bridgewater Township Police rushed to the scene to meet with the adult female victim who recounted her ordeal with an unknown male assailant.
The victim said that while she was enjoying a quiet walk, the suspect approached from behind, covering her eyes and mouth with his hands. A struggle ensued, both tumbling to the ground, where the suspect managed to snatch the victim’s cell phone before fleeing. Undeterred, the victim pursued, catching a glimpse of the suspect escaping in a dark-colored SUV.
A collaborative effort between the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the Bridgewater Police Department identified Elias Rodriguez as the suspect. The diligence paid off on October 18, when Rodriguez was arrested without incident in Jackson Township. He was transported to the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office for processing.
Rodriguez now faces charges of 2nd degree Robbery, 2nd degree Attempted Sexual Assault, and 2nd degree Attempted Aggravated Sexual Assault.