EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP – A Baltimore man is in custody after allegedly bringing a 49-year-old woman to West Atlantic City against her will where police said he attempted to murder the victim.

On Sunday, May 18 around 1 p.m. the Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to Room 122 of the Economy Inn, in West Atlantic City, for the report of a woman being assaulted.

Upon arrival, Officers Gary Johnson, Richard Cavanaugh and James Ludwig heard a woman calling for help.

Officers forced entry to the room and found the victim from Baltimore, Md. unconscious on the floor and the accused, Gerald Brookhart Jr., 42, of Baltimore, Md. on the bed.  Brookhart was taken into custody after struggling with officers at the scene.

The victim, whose identity is being withheld due to the nature of the crime, was transported to AtlantiCare Medical Center City Division where she was treated and released.

Police said Brookhart apparently brought the victim to the area against her will. While in the room she was sexually assaulted and allegedly strangled by the accused.

Brookhart has been charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault, aggravated sexual assault, criminal restraint, two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Superior Court Judge James Isman set Brookhart’s bail at $750,000 cash bail and he was lodged in the Atlantic County Justice Facility.

This case was investigated by Detective Anthony Merendino, Detective Heather Stumpf and Detective Michael Palmentieri under the supervision of Detective Sgt. Raymond Davis.

Anyone having any information regarding this case should contact the Egg Harbor Township Police Department, Detective Division at (609) 926-4051 or contact the Atlantic County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-658-8477. 

The Atlantic County Crime Stoppers program offers a cash reward up to $2,000 and callers can remain anonymous.