The Alternative Press

PATERSON, NJ - Apparently high on drugs, a 24-year-old man raped and savagely beat a 74-year-old woman late Saturday night near Costello Park in an assault that ended only when residents came to the woman's aid and pulled the attacker off her, police said.

The suspect, Kenneth Fields of Van Houten Street, had removed his clothes and was walking naked down the street for more than a block before he pounced on his victim, whom he apparently picked at random, near 32 Cianci Street at 11:50 pm, police said. During the sexual assault, Fields repeatedly punched the woman's face and body, police said.

"Her face was swollen almost beyond recognition,'' said Capt. Heriberto Rodriguez.

The woman frantically screamed for help, bringing area residents to her aid, Rodriguez said. When they pulled him off the victim, Fields than began attacking with them, Rodriguez said.

Residents say they believe Fields was high on "wet,'' a new form of angel dust that often causes bizarre and violent behavior. When asked whether Fields had been smoking wet, police said he appeared to be under the influence of some narcotic.

The woman is being treated for her injuries at St. Joseph's Regional Medical Center, police said. Police officers Michael Urena and Daniel Loffio made the arrest at the scene.