Prosecutor: Man arrested for assaulting woman near Bridgewater church

Elias Rodriguez faces robbery and attempted sexual assault charges for assaulting a woman behind Blessed Sacrament Church in July.

Lanette Espy

Oct 20, 2023, 12:48 PM

Updated 349 days ago

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Prosecutors say a man was arrested Wednesday in Jackson Township for assaulting a woman on a path near a church in Bridgewater back in July.
They say a woman was walking behind Blessed Sacrament Church when Elias Rodriguez, 45, of Brick, came up behind her, put his hands over her eyes and mouth and after a struggle, he stole her cell phone. The women then chased the suspect and saw him leave the area in a dark colored SUV, according to prosecutors.
Rodriguez was placed in the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing. He now faces robbery and attempted sexual assault charges.
Anyone with information should contact the Somerset County Prosecutors Office Sex Crimes Unit at 908-231-7100 or the Bridgewater Township Police Department at 908-722-4111 or via the STOPit app.