Police are offering a reward to anyone with information on last month's violent attack in a Burlington County neighborhood.
On Wednesday, February 1, around 6:30 p.m., police say a 40-year-old woman left the garage of her home on Wright Drive in Chesterfield, New Jersey to check her mailbox. Suddenly, she was approached by a man who asked her whether a certain person lived at the home, according to investigators. When she said no, police say the man attacked her. The incident was not a robbery but instead a random assault, according to investigators.
Police say the man broke the woman’s jaw in three places before fleeing the scene. The woman was briefly unconscious after the beating. She then got help from family members who live nearby and was taken to the hospital where she underwent several surgeries on her jaw.
“It’s very surprising,” said Deepak Lalchandani. “Nothing like that ever happened before in this area.”
“That really scares me,” said Cat Melissaratos. “This is the type of neighborhood where everyone is out, talking to our neighbors in the middle of the night.”
Police say the assault took place near Chesterfield Elementary School where parents received a warning letter two days after the attack.
“I’m really concerned for the safety of our kids,” said Tami Simonetti.
The suspect is described as either a black or Hispanic male standing between 6-feet and 6-foot-2. Police also say he weighs between 150 and 180 pounds with dark brown or black hair and a medium-brown complexion.
Police are now offering a $3,000 reward to anyone with information on the attack or suspect. If you have any information on this incident, please call the Chesterfield Police at 609-291-0912.
