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A suspect in a Sunday morning strong arm robbery and assault of a 21-year-old borough woman has been identified, Allenhurst Police officials announced Tuesday in a written news release.

The incident occurred near 7 a.m. Sunday along Main Street, officials said. The suspect allegedly walked up behind the victim and attempted to grab her purse. When she resisted, the suspect punched the victim twice, in the face, and fled on foot.

The victim, who initially refused first aid treatment at the scene, was later transported to a local hospital by the Allenhurst First Aid squad.

“Although this type of crime happens very infrequently in our town, the officers involved did a great job collecting evidence in a timely manner, which undoubtedly led to the suspect being identified so quickly,” Chief Michael Schneider said. “We are hopeful this suspect will be arrested quickly and the officers due diligence will result in the successful conviction of the suspect.”

A Monmouth County Sheriff’s Department bloodhound dog was brought in to help track the suspect but due to environmental factors the scent was lost. Officers, with the assistance of the Asbury Park Police Street Crimes Unit, were able to identify the suspect through a collection of area video surveillance footage.

Schneider said although the suspect has not been taken into custody yet, they are optimistic that criminal complaints will be signed against the suspect very shortly.

Patrol Officer Michael DiBona investigated with assistance from Sgt David Lipari.

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