PRESS RELEASE - 7/29/2025 Sexual Assault
Original Release Document - CLICK HERE
JULY 29, 2025
NEWS RELEASE
AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR MAN CHARGED IN NORTH PLAINFIELD SEXUAL ASSAULT
North Plainfield, N.J. – Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald, Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives Francisco Roman Jr., and North Plainfield Chief of Police Alan McKay announced that Oscar Vasquez Barraza, age 45, of Plainfield, New Jersey has been charged with a sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours on Sunday, July 20, 2025 in North Plainfield, New Jersey.
Prosecutor McDonald stated that on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at approximately 2:07 a.m., North Plainfield Police received a 9-1-1 call reporting a sexual assault. Upon arrival, officers met with an adult female victim, a North Plainfield resident, who reported being sexually assaulted by an unknown male while walking home on Manning Avenue in North Plainfield. The victim stated that while walking home, the suspect approached her and followed her. The victim attempted to flee sustaining injuries to her palms, knees and foot but the suspect caught up to her and eventually sexually assaulted her. While being assaulted the victim managed to dial 9-1-1 causing the suspect to flee the area. Detectives from the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit along with detectives from the North Plainfield Police Department responded to investigate.
An investigation conducted by the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and the North Plainfield Police Department led to the identification of Oscar Vasquez Barraza as a suspect in this case.
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, Oscar Vasquez Barraza was charged with 2nd degree Sexual Assault and 4th degree Criminal Sexual Contact. Vasquez Barraza’s whereabouts are currently unknown as investigators continue their search for the defendant. Prosecutor McDonald urges the public to notify authorities if they know of his location.
Prosecutor McDonald would like to thank members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations Newark – Franklin Township Resident Agency Office for their assistance with this investigation.
Prosecutor McDonald, Chief Roman, and Chief McKay request anyone with information relating to this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit at (908) 231-7100 or the North Plainfield Police Department at (908) 769-2900 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports, and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
Note: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
