Sex assaults in 2 New Jersey parks may be linked

BRIDGEWATER, New Jersey (WABC) -- Police are investigating if the same man is responsible for two sex assaults in parks in two New Jersey towns, and they're hoping a pair of sketches will lead to an arrest.

The most recent incident happened between 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. on September 28, at Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park in South Brunswick.

Authorities say the female victim was walking on a path next to the canal when she was approached by an armed man.

ALSO READ | Facial recognition is everywhere. Here's what to know

Tens of thousands of video cameras are embedded throughout New York City, and some of those cameras can be used for facial recognition.

The assault has similarities to a sexual assault that occurred around 9 p.m. on July 18 in Duke Island Park in Bridgewater Township, Somerset County.

She told authorities that the man came up behind her when she stopped momentarily to use her cell phone, held a knife to her throat and asked for her money.

After handing over her cash, the victim reported that the man sexually assaulted her in the nearby bushes and then fled the area on a bicycle towards the direction of Raritan.

ALSO READ | Deli worker killed in dispute with customer outside store in East Harlem

Surveillance video from outside a bodega on the corner shows the scuffle that ended in the fatal stabbing.

Police released the following sketches of the wanted suspect or suspects.