John Bishop was driving down I-295 when he said he saw a man dragging a woman into a wooded area off the side of the exit ramp to State Highway 73 in Mount Laurel Township Thursday, New Jersey State Police said.
A New Jersey man has been hailed a hero for thwarting an alleged attacker from sexually assaulting a woman and holding the alleged predator for police, authorities said.
John Bishop was driving down I-295 when he saw a man dragging a woman into a wooded area off the side of the exit ramp to State Highway 73 in Mount Laurel Township Thursday, New Jersey State Police said.
The man was allegedly hiding in the bushes and grabbed the woman as she walked near the exit ramp, Bishop told NBC Philadelphia.
"Out the corner of my eye I saw her walking ... I saw just arms and hair grab her and slam, and she screamed," he told the outlet. "I was shocked. I was stunned, like, 'Is this really happening,' you know? I froze."
But he didn't freeze for long, as Bishop pulled onto the shoulder of the highway and chased after the man, who by that point was allegedly struggling to subdue the woman in the woods, police said.
The good Samaritan jumped into action and after a brief struggle, Bishop was able to hold the suspect down until officers from the Mount Laurel Police Department arrived, officials said.
The man was arrested and identified as Donald Cramer Jr., 52, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was turned over to State Police detectives, authorities said.
The woman was taken to a local hospital, where her non-life-threatening injuries were treated.
Bishop was praised for his bravery and 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. “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.”
Bishop thanked his well-wishers for their support, writing on Facebook: "I am overwhelmed with all my friends and family comments and show of love and thanks to me. Thanks to all."
Cramer was charged with kidnapping, criminal attempted sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, terrorist threats, criminal restraint and resisting arrest. He is being held at Burlington County Jail, where he is awaiting a detention hearing.
“Detectives believe that Cramer may be the suspect of more sexual assaults,” State Police said.
They asked that anyone with information please call Detective Craig McCoy of the Bordentown Criminal Investigation Office at 609-298-1171. Anonymous tips are welcome.
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