Authorities have charged a 19-year-old Irvington man in the assault.
McPherson. (Courtesy Essex County Corrections)MAPLEWOOD -- A 19-year-old Irvington man has been arrested on charges that he sexually assaulted a woman in a township park, police said in a release Wednesday.
According to police, the 18-year-old Florida woman said she was walking to a relative's house at about 9:30 p.m. on Aug. 1. While crossing through DeHart Park, the woman reported she was knocked to the ground and sexually assaulted, police said.
Brian McPherson, of Irvington, was arrested on kidnapping and sexual assault charges after an investigation that included increased patrols at township parks and help from the Irvington and Union police departments, authorities said.
According to county records, McPherson is being held on $500,000 bail at the Essex County jail.
Police said they do not believe the man and woman knew each other before the alleged attack.
DeHart Park is a township recreational facility that includes a field, street hockey rink, tennis court, and playground.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.