BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer

SOUTH RIVER - An attempted robbery was reported on Appleby Avenue at 12:26 p.m. Monday.

A 30-year-old woman walking home in a residential section of the borough was approached by an assailant walking toward her on the sidewalk. She told police that she crossed the street to avoid the man but he followed her and attempted to grab hold of her purse.

The woman refused to let go, and the male suspect fled without the purse, running down Terry Avenue toward Leonardine Avenue. The victim received minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Police said activity of this nature is unusual, especially in that part of town. The suspect was described as a white male with a thin build and weighing approximately 160 pounds. His height was approximately 5 feet, 7 inches, and he had brown hair protruding from a black baseball cap. He was also wearing a black T-shirt and black pants. He had a piercing on his chin and earrings in both ears.

Anyone with information should contact Detective John McKenna at (732) 254-9002, ext. 110.