It is unclear why the public was not notified of this incident until today, nine days later, and the possibility of a perpetrator being at large despite increasing patrols in parks.
The police issued this report today:
August 2, 2016: Sexual Assault; An 18 year old female responded to the Maplewood Police Department to report that she had been sexually assaulted on the previous date. The victim, a resident of Florida, reported that earlier on 8-1-2016, she was walking to a family member's home when she was knocked to the ground and sexually assaulted at approximately 9:30 PM in DeHart Park. The victim was transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation and the police investigation was initiated at that time. As the investigation progressed, The Essex County Prosecutors Office was notified and Maplewood Police increased police patrols in township parks as investigative leads were being developed. Working on leads and with the assistance of Irvington and Union Police, Maplewood Detectives developed a strong suspect. Shortly thereafter Maplewood Detectives located the suspect and through additional investigation developed probable cause to arrest and charge suspect Brian McPherson, age 19 of Irvington, with the crimes of Kidnapping and Sexual Assault. McPherson was processed and was transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility.
We are reaching out to determine why the public was not notified earlier.
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