BRIDGEWATER TWP, N.J. - Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson, Chief of County Detectives John W. Fodor, and Bridgewater Township Chief of Police Alfred Nicaretta announced the arrest of Elvin Martinez, 18 of Plainfield.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on August 16, 2018, at approximately 7:40 P.M., the Bridgewater Police Department responded to Washington Valley Park, off of Miller Lane, in Bridgewater, to investigate an attempted sexual assault.
The victim, 44 of Warren Township, said that as she was walking along the trail, an unknown Hispanic male placed a t-shirt over her face and head, pulled her off of the trail, and attempted to sexually assault her.
The victim was able to break free by biting her assailant and running away, eventually finding another hiker who called 9-1-1.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the victim was able to provide a description of her assailant’s clothing and a search of the park area was conducted with the assistance of K-9s from the Warren Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office. Defendant Elvin Martinez was subsequently located by the Bridgewater Police Department and placed under arrest without incident.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that Martinez was subsequently charged with 3rd degree Criminal Sexual Contact, 3rd degree Criminal Restraint, 4th degree Criminal Coercion, and simple assault, a disorderly person offense.
He was later lodged in the Somerset County Jail, pending a detention hearing.