Suspect beats woman with gun, takes purse

MONROE — A 19-year-old township woman was robbed and assaulted at gunpoint Jan. 11 as she parked in the driveway of a friend’s home on Buckelew Avenue, according to police.

The woman had arrived at the friend’s home around 10:15 p.m. and, while still seated in her vehicle after parking, an unknown suspect entered the vehicle from the passenger side. The suspect, described as a thin black male, grabbed the woman’s purse and a struggle ensued. The man then pulled out a silver handgun and began striking the victim on the head and the face, according to the police report. He then placed the barrel of the gun in the victim’s mouth between her front teeth.

The suspect then took the purse and exited the vehicle, fleeing on foot in the direction of Englishtown. The suspect was described as being about 20 to 25 years old, with a round face and round eyes, wearing dark clothing.

The victim was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was treated and released.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Monroe Township Detective Bureau at 732-521-0222.