We All Matter News 
New Jersey Community Confronts Terrifying Home Invasion as Resident Stops Alleged Assault
A quiet neighborhood in Hackensack, New Jersey, was shaken early Saturday morning when a 36-year-old man allegedly broke into a family’s home and attempted to sexually assault a sleeping girl before being stopped by a quick-thinking resident.
According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Jermin Fordyce has been charged with first-degree home invasion, burglary, and attempted aggravated sexual assault, along with second-degree aggravated assault. He remains in police custody as he awaits a court hearing.
Police say the incident unfolded around 3:40 a.m., when Hackensack officers responded to reports of a burglary in progress. Investigators allege that Fordyce entered the home by crawling through a bathroom window under cover of darkness — a chilling violation of a family’s sense of safety and security.
Authorities report that after gaining entry, the suspect went into a bedroom where a young girl was asleep. Law enforcement officials described the victim as a resident of the home, and local reporting has identified her as a minor. Police allege that Fordyce removed his pants and climbed on top of the child, attempting to sexually assault her. During the attack, he is accused of strangling her.
The violence was interrupted when another person in the home awoke to the sound of a struggle. That resident rushed into the bedroom and subdued the suspect, holding him until law enforcement arrived. Their swift action likely prevented further harm.
This horrifying incident underscores a painful truth: children and families deserve to feel safe in their own homes. When that basic sense of security is shattered, the trauma can reverberate far beyond a single household. Advocates have long emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to prevent gender-based violence, including community awareness, survivor-centered support services, and strong legal accountability for perpetrators.
Home invasions and sexual violence are not isolated problems — they are part of a broader pattern of harm that disproportionately impacts women and girls. Preventing such crimes requires not only responsive policing but also long-term investments in prevention programs, mental health resources, and education aimed at stopping violence before it begins.
Community members in Hackensack are left grappling with fear and anger in the wake of the alleged attack. Yet the bravery displayed by the resident who intervened stands as a powerful reminder of collective responsibility — the idea that protecting one another is a shared duty.
No family should have to experience the trauma of an intruder turning a child’s bedroom into a crime scene. Safety at home is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Fordyce is being held pending further court proceedings. As the legal process moves forward, the focus will remain not only on accountability but also on ensuring the survivor receives the care and support she needs.
At its core, this case is about more than one alleged act of violence. It is about reaffirming our collective commitment to protect children, support survivors, and build communities rooted in safety, dignity, and justice for all.
