Update: Message from the Scotch Plains Police Department
Westfield PD reported a very serious incident involving a home invasion that occurred yesterday afternoon, just before 2 p.m. The incident took place on Longfellow Avenue on the border of Scotch Plains and is to be taken extremely seriously.
We are asking all residents to be very cautious when returning home from taking walks, going to the store, etc. Please monitor your surroundings, have your cell phone on hand and charged at all times. If you see anyone who you think may be following you, do not exit your vehicle, call the police and stay locked in your car until they arrive to check out the person who you may feel may be following you.
Upon entering the home, make sure you lock the door immediately behind you and keep all exterior doors locked at all times; this includes garage doors, side and rear doors as well. Also, keep ground level windows locked and secured. We are also asking that neighbors look out for one another; if you seem someone suspicious please call the police and let us talk to the individual. Please be extra cautious! Do whatever you can to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Update: Friday, October 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Due to some outstanding police work by the Westfield Police Department and the Union County Prosecutor's Office, the suspect in the home/sexual assault case has been arrested.
We ask that everyone still practice safe measures as this was a rude awakening for us all and we hope another case like this does not happen sometime soon.