NEW BRUNSWICK — A Newark man wanted for assault and sexual assault on the Rutgers University campus surrendered to Newark police on May 14.
Michael P. Knight, 37, of Newark, is charged with aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, kidnapping, criminal sexual contact, endangering a victim and terroristic threats, according to a statement prepared by Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey, Chief Kenneth Cop of the Rutgers University Police Department and Director Anthony A. Caputo of the New Brunswick Police Department.
The alleged attack occurred around 3:30 a.m. May 4 in the area of Van Dyck Hall on the College Avenue campus. The victim, who is affiliated with the university, was reportedly walking in the area of 520 George St. when she was assaulted by a male perpetrator who struck her in the face, severely beat her and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim yelled for assistance, which reportedly alerted nearby witnesses, officials said.
As Knight allegedly fled toward Seminary Place, he reportedly said he had a gun and threatened to shoot one of the men who attempted to chase him; Knight was charged with terroristic threats for allegedly threatening to kill the man.
Knight turned himself in to police in Newark hours after he was charged and identified as the man allegedly responsible for the attack, officials said. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
He is also wanted in South Brunswick for burglary. His bail is set at $5,000, according to the South Brunswick Police Department.
The woman was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. She since has been released from hospital care, according to officials.
Anyone with information should contact Detective George Stilwell of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-745-8675 or Detective Sgt. Carlos Rodriguez of the Rutgers Police Department at 848-932-8025.