Search Continues For Would-Be Rapist In Greenwich Village
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Women were on high alert Friday as police searched for a man who they said grabbed a young woman and tried to rape her in Greenwich Village.
The attack occurred around 4 a.m. on Saturday, July 30 on a quiet block not far from Washington Square Park. The 20-year-old victim was walking along Fifth Avenue near 10th Street when police said the suspect grabbed her from behind in a bear hug, and tried to rape her, police said.
In their initial report, police said the suspect tried to strike up a conversation with the woman, who was walking alone. She refused his advances, and that's when he became violent, CBS2's Magdalena Doris reported.
Nearby residents said Fifth Avenue, which is lined with doorman buildings and equipped with security cameras, hardly seems like the setting for such an attack. Women in the neighborhood said they are starting to look over their shoulders.
"I don't really usually fear walking by myself, especially late at night, but that's something to consider," said Cheyenne Kinch of Brooklyn, who works on the block where the attack happened. "Now I'm going to take a friend with me."
"I try to be very weary of who's following me, always looking over my shoulder. As a woman, I'm always concerned," Queens resident Victoria Brunkhorst said.
Neighbors who live in doorman buildings with security systems in the area typically feel safe, but that safety has been threatened by the attack.
"I actually live in the dorm, and it somewhat safe, but you still have to be on guard," said Bolaji, who lives in NYU Housing nearby. "It is a really sad reality, but it is the way it is."
"Is he going to come back? Is he going to try it again? Who's next. This neighborhood? Another neighborhood? You just never know," Greenwich Village resident Laila Saad said.
"You never really 100 percent safe, whether in the streets of New York or somewhere else," added Ereka Dunn of Greenwich Village. "If somebody has a sickness and in need to be harmful, they can find a way."
The victim was shaken by the attack and taken to the hospital for observation.
Investigators released surveillance video of the suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, visit the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
