Police hunting suspect who sprays, then robs women in New Jersey

FREEHOLD, N.J. (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are searching for a man suspected in a string of attacks on women.

He may have already struck four times in Freehold Township and nearby Colts Neck.

In each case, he sprays something in the face of his victims before robbing them.

The suspect has been described as a stocky man in his 30's or early 40's with a bald head and bad skin.

In one attack he was wearing glasses and used a gun in the crime.

The suspect sprays his victim with a liquid substance that stings their eyes before he steals their purse or wallet.

"I'm very surprised, I've lived here my whole life, I grew up here and have been here since I was about 5. To me it seems like the safest place around," said resident Lynn Kernan.

There are two police sketches but they are very similar, so police believe it is the same person.

The first attack was back in April in a strip mall parking lot. But now police believe there have been four incidents which are connected.

"I think I'd probably be more cautious and look around before I get out of the car, and of course lock the car and unlock it when I get there," said resident Mary Anne Hayes.

In one of the attacks, the victim was followed while she was driving home.

The suspect had initially asked the woman for directions, but once she answered his question, the suspect began to follow her and when he caught up to her the second time, he walked up to her vehicle and attacked by punching her in the face and taking her purse.

Women are being urged to be cautious.