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Philly man arrested in attempted roadside assault of NJ woman, police say

A passing motorist spotted the assault and helped saved the victim, state police said.

David Cramer, Jr. has been charged with attempted sexual assault, kidnapping and related offenses.
David Cramer, Jr. has been charged with attempted sexual assault, kidnapping and related offenses.Read moreCourtesy New Jersey State Police (custom credit)

A good Samaritan thwarted an attempted sexual assault along a New Jersey highway, state police said Monday.

Donald Cramer Jr., 52, of Philadelphia, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, criminal attempted sexual assault, aggravated assault, and related offenses, according to investigators. He remained in custody Monday night in the Burlington County Jail.

On Thursday, a motorist on I-295 near Mount Holly saw Cramer, on the side of the road, grab a woman and drag her into a nearby wooded area, police said. John Bishop pulled over and ran after the two.

In the woods, Bishop saw them struggling and pulled Cramer off of the woman. Bishop was able to keep Cramer at the scene until troopers arrived and took him into custody.

Investigators praised Bishop for his quick thinking.

“As troopers, we respond to a variety of calls every day, and there are times when we must place our lives in jeopardy," state police said in a statement. “Citizens are not necessarily held to this standard, but there are also times when good Samaritans step in and risk their lives in order to protect others.”

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital, treated for minor injuries, and released, police said. Troopers believe Cramer may be a suspect in other sexual assaults.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to please contact Detective Craig McCoy of the Bordentown Criminal Investigation Office at 609-298-1171.