NYPD: Would-Be Rapist Attacks Woman Getting Into Her Car In The Bronx
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police on Monday were trying to track down a suspect they say tried to rape a woman while she was getting something from her parked car in the Bronx.
The attack happened around 8 p.m. Sunday, police said.
The 36-year-old victim's car was parked near the intersection of Bathgate Avenue and East 173rd Street in. Police say she only walked a short distance to her car when the man came up behind her, pushed her into the vehicle and tried to sexually assault her, police said.
He punched her in the face, but she fought back and the suspect ran off on foot, police said.
The man was captured on camera as he ran from the scene. Police sources said he was bleeding from being punched in the mouth after the woman fought back.
"She did the right thing," said Sarah Robinson. "See, women don't usually walk with anything in their anyway. You know, you're not expecting that -- and when it happens it just happens."
The woman ran to her cousin's home and called 911. Her face was bruised in the attack, but she refused medical attention at the scene.
"I'm scared now, because I travel a lot and go back and forth," Robinson said.
So is Corey Kelly. He has a lot of female family members, and now, he will be reminding them once again about safety.
"It's sad. It really bothers me to hear about stuff like this too," he said. "I would always advise people to be with somebody. You know, if you can be with somebody, that's great."
Police have released surveillance video of the suspect, who has long, dark dreadlocks.
Anyone with information in regards to these incidents is 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 or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
