Residents Aid Teen Being Attacked By Sex Offender In Mercer: Police

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Several residents came to the aid of a teen who was being attacked by a sex offender in Trenton on Wednesday morning, Trenton Police said. The girl had just got off a bus when she was followed and attacked, police said.

Around 9:37 a.m. on Wednesday, Trenton Police responded to a report of an attempted sexual assault in the area of Louise Ln and Marion St.

The 17-year-old girl told police that a man followed her from a nearby bus stop, physically attacked her, and attempted to sexually assault her.

According to investigation, Malik Bright, 24, followed the girl for multiple blocks. The girl was aware she was being followed and tried to evade him, police said.

Bright caught up to the girl in the area of Marion St. and Louise Ln and attacked her. He punched the girl in the face and head multiple times, knocked her to the ground, kneeled over the victim, pulled her pants down, and attempted to pry open her legs while continuing to hit her, police said.

Nearby residents came to assist her and Bright left on foot. One of the residents followed the suspect as police were contacted. The Patrol Bureau units then searched the area and found him nearby.

The investigation was conducted by Det. Lizmary Rivera of Trenton Police Department Special Victims Unit and Det. Nadine Elhage, of Mercer County Prosecutor's Office Special Victims Unit.

They found that Bright was released from prison on August 6, where he was incarcerated for a 2019 sex crime.

Bright was charged with one count of first-degree aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree criminal attempt aggravated sexual assault, one count of second-degree criminal attempt aggravated criminal sexual contact, one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, one count of third-degree aggravated assault, one count of third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact, and one count of third-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The first-degree offense of aggravated sexual assault carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in state prison, along with the requirement to register pursuant to Megan's Law. Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000. Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com