Suspect in string of violent gunpoint sex assaults in New Jersey surrenders

IRVINGTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Authorities say the suspect in a string of violent sex assaults surrendered to police Friday morning.

Irvington Public Safety Director Director Tracy Bowers confirmed 41-year-old Samuel Reed turned himself in and will be transported to the Essex County Jail.

The incidents began January 17 and all happened in the vicinity of the Irvington/Newark border, near the intersection of Grove Street and Nye Avenue.

The victims were all adult females walking in the area between the hours of 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. In each incident, the victim was threatened with a handgun.

Authorities identified Reed as the suspect, and detectives are investigating whether he could be linked to other attacks.

Alnisa Hicks is the neighbor of one of the victims, and she says she is now scared to walk alone at night.

"He had the gun to her side," Alnisa Hicks said. "The girl downstairs, he was in the backyard, and the only thing that saved her because a dog started barking. So he ran and jumped the fence."

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Irvington Police Department at 973-399-6603.