COPS CLOSING IN ON ST. JOE'S ASSAULT SUSPECT

Several days ago, PATCH reported police were closing in on a "person of interest" in the brutal 2012 assault on a St. Joseph's Church employee.

Maplewoodian revealed months ago the employee was dismissed without severance by the church.

PATCH wrote this week:

“The investigation has revealed certain things,” said Capt. John Perna last week, who said police feel "pretty good" about the person of interest. Perna said the case was a very difficult one, and that releasing any further details might compromise the investigation.

In March 2012, the woman was viciously assaulted by an intruderwho threw her on the floor and stomped her. The woman suffered multiple face fractures and was left with vision and brain disabilities.

Despite an exhaustive police investigation and a $5,000 reward offered by the Essex County Sheriff's Office, the crime remains unsolved.