A young mother walking with her 2-year-old child was violently assaulted Monday afternoon in a quiet Howell neighborhood, prompting an urgent search for the attacker and a call for community assistance.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:55 p.m. on Pinewood Road near Cecilia Court. The woman was pushing her toddler in a stroller when a man approached her from behind, placed her in a choke-hold, and slammed her to the ground.
Police say the victim screamed for help, causing the suspect to flee the area on foot.
The attacker is described as a Black male, thin build, approximately 5’8″, wearing a gray or tan hood, a dark jacket with light-colored stripes on the sleeves, dark pants, and white athletic sneakers. Investigators believe he had been lingering in the neighborhood for an extended period of time before the assault, with sightings reported along Pinewood Rd., Cecilia Ct., Violet Circle, and Poppy Ln.
Authorities have released an image captured by a passing motorist’s dash camera around the time of the attack. The photo shows a male individual matching the suspect’s description walking on a sidewalk, head covered, hands in pockets.
“This remains an active investigation,” Howell Police said in a statement. “We are asking anyone with information or any footage from the area to contact us immediately. If you see this individual or notice any suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 without hesitation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Howell Township Police Department at (732) 938-4111 ext. 2677 or email tips to RJackson@HowellPolice.org.