Brick Cops Make Arrest in Two Assaults of Women on Bike Trail

Brick police have made an arrest in the case of a woman who reported an assault on the Sawmill Bike Trail in the northern part of town on Monday, and have also charged him in a similar assault earlier this month.

The latest alleged assault occurred Monday on the trail, which runs from Burnt Tavern Road to the Herbertsville section of Brick. A previous assault occurred April 10.

Brick detectives arrested Joshua R. Guarino, 23, of Willow Avenue on Monday after piecing together information received at the scene of the most recent attack, which ultimately led them to their suspect, Sgt. Henry Drew said.

In the reported assault on Monday, a woman who was walking her dogs said a man ran up behind her and attempted to pull down her pants. The man then pushed the woman to the ground but she was able to fend him off, according to police.

"A brief struggle ensued, during which the victim was able to kick and scream at the subject, causing him to flee the scene," said Drew.

The victim’s screams were heard by another person who was walking on the trail. That person walked with the woman to an exit in the trail at Colorado Park, Drew said.

In the April 10 assault, a man pursued a female jogger and chased her down, but gave up the pursuit after being pushed away by the jogger.

Guarino has been charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact and two counts of invasion of privacy.

Municipal Court Judge Robert Lepore set bail at $10,000 cash. Guarino is now being lodged in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail. An additional no-bail warrant was issued by the state Superior Court for a probation violation.

Detectives Gregory Mullarkey, Michael Bevacqua, James Burgess, and Daniel Waleski were involved in the investigation.  Anyone who believes they may have additional information is being asked to contact the Brick Township Police Detective Bureau at 732-262-1120.