Police Release Sketch Of Suspect Wanted In Upper West Side Sex Assault
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Manhattan are looking for a suspect wanted in a violent sexual attack on the Upper West Side.
Authorities said the suspect approached a 20-year-old woman at the intersection of West 75th Street and Broadway around 2:30 a.m. Thursday morning and threw her to the ground. The victim was first assaulted and then sexually assaulted by the suspect, who put his hands inside the woman's underwear, police said.
Terry Sheridan, of 1010 WINS, reported that the suspect hid behind a construction shed before he attacked the victim. The woman was able to fight off her attacker, who then fled the scene on foot. Meanwhile, the victim was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries and released.
1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan Speaks With Concerned Residents On The Upper West Side
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"The screaming was for five or ten minutes," one resident told Sheridan.
Some residents of 75th Street said the construction shed was a cause for concern.
"If you're on this side of the street, it's going to give someone the ability to attack you," another resident said. "If you're heading west, you can't see who's behind there."
"For that, that surprise me because this neighborhood is very protected. Wherever you go, you see the cop," Massa Ouattare told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez.
Police describe the suspect as a Hispanic man, between 30-40 years old, about 5'7'' and 200 pounds. He was last spotted wearing a black polo shirt and black pants.
Authorities have also released a sketch and surveillance video of the suspect.
In the last year, the number of rapes in New York City has gone up nearly 20 percent -- from 507 reported cases in the first 6 months of 2010 to 606 during the same period this year.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.
