Sketch released in pair of sex assaults near Palisades Park bus stop

PALISADES PARK (WABC) -- Police in New Jersey are investigating a pair of sex assaults that occurred two days apart at the same bus stop, and police are hoping a sketch of the suspect will lead to an arrest.

The incidents happened on September 8 and 10, after the victims exited buses at the Broad Avenue stop in Palisades Park.

Authorities say a woman reported that she was followed from Broad Avenue to 2nd Street at approximately 10:25 p.m. on September 10 by a short Hispanic male with a medium build, approximately 5-foot-7 and in his early to mid 30s, and wearing dark-colored pants. The man knocked her to the ground from behind and sexually assaulted her with his hands before he fleeing the scene.

As a result of the report, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, Special Victims Unit was notified, and the joint investigation ensued. During the investigation, a composite sketch of the suspect was completed with the assistance of the New Jersey State Police, Composite Drawing Unit.

Then, three days later, a second woman reported to the Palisades Park Police Department that she was sexually assaulted by a Hispanic male five days earlier, on Tuesday, September 8. The victim said that she was walking north on Broad Avenue and then west on West Edsall Avenue at approximately 9:10 p.m. when she was attacked from behind by a Hispanic male.

Police say the suspect knocked her to the ground and sexually assaulted her with his hands in the same manner as the previous report. The physical description of the suspect was also similar.

Neither victim sustained serious physical injury.

Anyone with information about these incidents, or with information regarding the suspect, is urged to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, confidential TIPS Line at 201-226-5532 or the Palisades Park Police Department at 201-944-0900.