Paterson NJ police arrested a Garfield man who allegedly punched and sexually assaulted a woman.

According to authorities, the 38-year-old suspect attacked the 40-year-old victim while she walked in the area of Railroad Avenue and Green Street in Paterson, New Jersey. The incident reportedly occurred near the train tracks.

The victim told police that she got away from the assailant and ran toward the road; she was then able to get the attention of a passing motorist and seek assistance.

The victim later provided officers with a detailed description of the suspect. Police officers subsequently canvassed the area and eventually located the suspect. According to police, the suspect was found hiding in bushes near the scene of the alleged attack.

After being taken into custody, the suspect was charged with aggravated sexual assault. The suspect has also been charged with resisting arrest.

Paterson police are continuing to investigate the incident. At this time, police have not released a great deal of information about the suspect. Police have also not revealed if the suspect knew the victim.

If the suspect is eventually convicted of aggravated sexual assault, he could be subject to severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2a, a person is guilty of aggravated sexual assault when they use physical force and cause severe personal injury to the victim. A conviction can result in a sentence of 10–20 years in New Jersey State Prison. Moreover, since the No Early Release Act applies to violent crimes, the suspect would be required to serve at least 85 percent of any prison sentence.

For more information about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Police: Garfield Man Punched, Sexually Assaulted Woman in Paterson.”