NORTH PLAINFIELD BOROUGH, N.J. (Somerset County) — A 45-year-old Plainfield man has been charged in connection with a sexual assault that occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, July 20, in North Plainfield, according to Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald.
Oscar Vasquez Barraza was charged with second-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree criminal sexual contact following an investigation by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and the North Plainfield Police Department.
Authorities said that on Sunday at approximately 2:07 a.m., North Plainfield Police received a 9-1-1 call reporting a sexual assault. Officers responded to Manning Avenue, where they located an adult female victim who reported that an unknown man approached and followed her while she was walking home.
According to the prosecutor, the woman attempted to flee and sustained injuries to her palms, knees, and foot. The suspect caught up to her and sexually assaulted her. During the assault, the victim was able to dial 9-1-1, prompting the suspect to flee.
Investigators identified Vasquez Barraza as the alleged suspect. His current whereabouts are unknown, and law enforcement is actively searching for him.
Somerset County authorities are urging anyone with information about Vasquez Barraza’s location to contact law enforcement. The Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office credited the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Newark–Franklin Township Resident Agency Office with assisting in the investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (908) 231-7100, the North Plainfield Police Department at (908) 769-2900, or via the STOPit app. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
