The woman told police she was waiting for a friend when an unknown man approached her, robbed her and sexually assaulted her, according to the prosecutor
Willie Banks (Bergen County prosecutor) HACKENSACK -- A 30-year-old Hackensack man has been charged with sexually assaulting and robbing a 22-year-old woman at gunpoint while she waited for a friend in Hackensack on Nov. 27, according to the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office.
Willie Banks was arrested Dec. 24 on charges including aggravated sexual assault, robbery, and drug and weapons offenses, Prosecutor John Molinelli said in a statement. Banks is being held on $400,000 bail, with no 10 percent option, according to the prosecutor.
The woman reported the assault on Dec. 4 and police sought the public's help in locating the suspect.
She told authorities that while waiting for a friend near the area of Poplar Avenue and Grand Street in Hackensack, she was approached by an unknown man with a gun, Molinelli said in the statement. He robbed her and sexually assaulted her before fleeing on foot, Molinelli said.
Woman robbed, sexually assaulted at gunpoint
A joint investigation involving Hackensack Police, State Police and the prosecutor's office ensued.
On Dec. 24, the alleged victim saw the suspect in the area of Main Street in Hackensack, and immediately contacted detectives, Molinelli said.
Although the suspect was gone from the area by the time police arrived, he was identified as Banks and Hackensack police located him later that day, Molinelli said.
Banks was in possession of marijuana and heroin when he was found, the prosecutor said.
Banks, a car washer at Teaneck Car Wash, was then interviewed and charged with the Nov. 27 assault, Molinelli said
Ben Horowitz may be reached at bhorowitz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @HorowitzBen. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
