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2 Charged In Attempted Rape In Ridgewood, Queens

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Two suspects were arrested and charged this week in connection with an attempted rape in Ridgewood, Queens.

Franclin Velazquez, 21, of Brooklyn; and Jorge Maldonado, 28, of the Bronx, were both charged with attempted rape and sexual abuse, police said. Maldonado was also charged with assault.

Around 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, an 18-year-old woman was walking near Putnam and Seneca avenues in Queens when the suspects walked up from behind, police said.

One suspect punched the woman in the head, while the other choked and covered her mouth with his hand, police said.

The second suspect tried to take the woman's pocketbook, but the woman was able to hold onto it, police said.

The first suspect then began to sexually assault the victim, but a passerby walked up and both ran off, police said.

The victim was treated and released at Woodhull Medical Center, police said.

Police sources told CBS 2 both the suspects in the case worked at the same restaurant in the East Village, and were apprehended on a tip. One was apprehended at the restaurant, the other at his home, sources said.

Police received the tip from video stills of suspects in the case they put out earlier in the week, sources said.

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