NYPD On The Hunt For East Village Attempted Rape Suspect
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- There's a sexual predator alert in the East Village.
On Monday, police released crystal-clear surveillance video of a man they said tried to rape a woman inside her apartment building, CBS 2's Emily Smith reports.
Police are asking the public to call them if anyone recognizes the man in the video.
1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan reports
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It was recorded moments before the alleged attempted rape. It shows the suspect helping himself into a woman's apartment building on First Avenue in the East Village. Cops said the perpetrator followed his target -- a 27-year-old woman -- home from the First Avenue subway station at 14th street early Sunday morning.
They said he pushed her down and tried to rape her in her hallway.
Neighbors have different feelings when it comes to their safety in the East Village.
"I'm surprised. I feel it's a safe neighborhood. I have two kids. It's pretty scary," said resident Kathy Butterly.
"People say it's safer now. I think it was in the '60s and '70s safer. Less people, more residential," added resident Rachel Leone.
Police said the man wound up running off when the woman fought back. People living along First Avenue said it's always busy around here so it's easy to have a false sense of security.
"So maybe your guard is down a little too much," Remy Bennett said.
"It's terrifying. I've heard stories, but didn't know it actually happened and it's happening right here," added resident Lauren Hector.
Along with the surveillance video, police describe the suspect as in his 20s, 5-foot-9 and about 170 pounds.
Police said the attack is not linked to any other incidents, but are reminding people to be extra vigilant and try not to walk alone, especially in the early morning hours.
If you have any information about the suspect, you're asked to contact Crime Stoppers. You can:
- Call their hotline at 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS). All calls are kept confidential.
- Log on to the Crime Stoppers website.
- Text your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577.
