NJ Police: 16-Year-Old Followed Off Bus In Attempted Sexual Assault
TENAFLY, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Police are beefing up patrols along bus routes in Tenafly after they say a man attempted to sexually assault a teenage girl.
Police say the victim was riding the 166T NJ TRANSIT bus at around 9:30 on July 16 when the suspect -- also a passenger --- tried talking to her, CBS2's Ali Bauman reported.
The girl ignored his advances and eventually got off the bus at Westervelt Avenue. But investigators she immediately noticed the man stepped off behind her and was following her.
Police say he attacked her from behind and tried to sexually assault the girl before fleeing.
Westervelt Avenue is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood. Tenafly parents say if their child is commuting alone, they insist they board at busier bus stops.
"I always drop her off and we pick her up," one parent said.
Tenafly father Jonathan Berschadsky says he uses a smartphone app to help keep track of his 16-year-old son.
"I know my wife is at work my kids are at home," he said. "I think it's very useful -- I don't think it's absolutely necessary -- not in Tenafly."
Local police were directed to area bus stops following the incident.
Police say the man was nearing a baseball hat, a tight blue shirt and light-colored shorts. He spoke English with a Hispanic accent.
So far there are no arrests and anyone with information is urged to call authorities.
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