A New Jersey man faces serious charges after allegedly breaking into a home through a bathroom window with the intent to sexually assault a sleeping girl. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, but the suspect was subdued by a resident before any harm could be done.

Jermin Fordyce, 36, has been charged with several serious offenses. These include first-degree home invasion, burglary, and attempted aggravated sexual assault. In addition, he faces a second-degree aggravated assault charge, as reported by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Hackensack police officers swiftly responded to the alarming call around 3:40 a.m., concerning a reported home invasion burglary. Upon their arrival, they discovered Fordyce already restrained by the household members who apprehended him in one of their bedrooms.

Authorities detailed that Fordyce gained entry into the residence via a bathroom window. He then proceeded to the bedroom of a girl who was asleep at the time. While police identified the victim only as a “resident,” NJ.com has confirmed the victim was indeed a girl.

The local community remains on high alert following the unsettling event. Photographs from the scene showed Hackensack police cruisers stationed outside the residence. The quick actions of the home’s residents prevented what could have been a tragic outcome.

Hackensack police cruisers parked on a street. Hackensack police arrested a man accused of breaking into a home through a bathroom window and trying to sexually assault a girl before being taken down by a resident.  (Hackensack Police Department )

Once inside the room, Fordyce took off his pants and climbed on top of the girl as she was sleeping and attempted to sexually assault her, police said. 

He allegedly strangled her during the assault, authorities said. 

One of the other residents awoke to the sounds of a struggle coming from the girl’s room and took down Fordyce. 

A man with handcuffs on  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Fordyce remains in police custody pending a court hearing. 

<!–>