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Search Continues For Daniel Nieto, Suspect In Rape Of 7-Year-Old Staten Island Girl

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - The search continues for Daniel Nieto, who police say is suspected of raping a 7-year-old girl on Staten Island.

Nieto allegedly entered the girl's Port Richmond home through the back door at around 2:45 a.m. back on Aug. 6, entered her bedroom and sexually assaulted her.

Nieto, 32, then took off, according to police.

Authorities told CBS2's Ilana Gold the victim's relatives noticed Nieto running off and thought it was suspicious, so they ran after him and held him down until police arrived.

Officers took him into custody on a trespassing charge.

At the time, authorities say the girl's family didn't know the extent of his alleged crime, Gold reported.

Police say the 7-year-old victim came forward with allegations the next night. By that time, Nieto was already out of custody on the trespassing charge.

Police have been trying to track him down ever since.

"That is really crazy," said resident Bonnie Garguilo.

Nieto is described as 5'2" and weighs about 125 pounds. He has short black hair and was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, black vest jacket, brown pants and brown shoes.

Area resident Helene Torres has two granddaughters about the same age as the victim and finds the crime alarming.

"It's very, very disturbing," Torres told Gold. "I feel violated and it didn't even happen to me."

"To have the nerve to break into someone's home and rape a child... that's horrific," another woman told Gold. "I can't even imagine. Seriously, I can't."

Meanwhile, police want everyone locking their doors and windows, especially at night, Gold reported.

"I just put alarms on my windows in the past few days," Torres said. "I'm glad I did that."

Police are searching for the suspect before he possibly targets someone else, Gold reported. Police believe the crime was random, and the victim and her family have no connection with the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

You can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

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