Prosecutors in New Jersey are investigating an armed home invasion and sexual act that happened in one of the state's higher-end income communities earlier this week, officials said Thursday.
Patrol units responded to a home near Forest and Longfellow Avenues in Westfield, which Bloomberg News ranked as the nation's 99th highest-income town in the country as recently as three years ago, shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a burglary and sex assault by an assailant with some sort of weapon, officials said.
No other details were given on the case itself, and there was no word on the condition of whoever may have been in the home at the time of the attack.
Authorities acknowledged there were questions about unreleased details in the case but said that decision was in the best interest of the investigation.
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"That being said, nobody should ever feel unsafe in their own home. Nobody should have to worry about a wife, mother, or daughter suffering such a horrific attack," Westfield Mayor Shelley Brindle and Police Chief Christopher Battiloro said in a joint statement. "We will continue to dedicate every possible resource to this case and to the safety of our residents, and we thank all of you who have provided helpful information and offered words of healing and support for the victim."
Officials released a composite sketch of the suspect (above). Anyone who sees someone who looks like this person should not approach him, authorities say, but contact their local law enforcement offices instead.
The Union County Special Victims Unit and the Westfield Police Department are leading the investigation with assistance from the Union County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Unit and New Jersey State Police, authorities said.
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Westfield police have visibly enhanced patrol operations throughout the town as the investigation continues, Brindle and Battiloro's statement said.
"Our thoughts remain with the victim of this horrific crime, and we are grateful to live in a community that has shown a true outpouring of support and compassion for our fellow resident and neighbor," they continued. "We will all continue to pray for her continued recovery following an unthinkable turn of events."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Annie Coll at 908-347-2474 or Westfield Police Department Detective Betsy Savnik at 908-789-6078.
