Watch CBS News

Woman Tackled By Would-Be Rapist Inside Ditmas Park Elevator, Cops Say

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Brooklyn were searching late Monday for a would-be rapist who targeted a woman in her own building.

As CBS2's Jessica Layton reported, neighbors were horrified with the attacker still on the run.

Building surveillance video caught images of the man police say tried to rape the 22-year-old Ditmas Park woman in the elevator of her apartment building.

Around 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the suspect was seen making small talk before the victim opened the door and he followed her in.

Police said once inside the elevator of the building, the man started to grab the woman before throwing her to the ground and trying to take off her pants. The young woman kicked him back and was able to fight him off -- and neighbors in the lobby heard her screams for help during the New Year's Day attack.

"When I came downstairs, she was hollering and screaming and running out the building, so I asked her was wrong and she said someone tried to rape her in the elevator," said building resident Chana Williams, "and then her boyfriend came downstairs to look but by this time it was too late because she started yelling and he ran."

"I feel really mad because these are nice people," said building supervisor Jose Muniz.

The suspect has been described as a black male, 20-years-old, 5'9" and 160-lbs, with dark complexion, short black hair, he was wearing black work boots, a blue hooded jacket, and blue jeans.

Anyone with information regarding this incident has been asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA(74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) and entering TIP577.

 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.