Police: Suspect Identified In Rape Of 82-Year-Old Brooklyn Woman
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have identified suspect wanted in a brutal sex attack on an 82-year-old woman in Brooklyn.
Investigators said they are now looking for 18-year-old Asa Robert in connection with the attack, which happened early Monday morning in Brighton Beach.
Robert is seen on surveillance video lurking outside the woman's home around 1:30 a.m. Monday, police said. He then walks off camera and sneaks in the house through the unlocked front door as the woman was sweeping outside, police said.
"She's always out here cleaning the streets, she's keeping the street very clean," neighbor Gary Perisi told CBS2's Janelle Burrell. "Always smiles, does her thing. Doesn't bother anyone."
Police: Suspect Identified In Rape Of 82-Year-Old Brooklyn Woman
When the woman went back inside the house, police said she found Robert in a bedroom.
Police said Robert then held the senior at knifepoint and demanded cash, but when the woman explained she didn't have any, he held her captive for four hours.
Fearing for her life, police said the woman offered to cook for Robert, but he instead became more violent, ransacking her dresser drawers for valuables.
When he didn't find anything, police said he tied her up and then raped her.
Before taking off, police said Robert told the woman not to call police. She waited until her son-in-law arrived to tell him what happened.
"That is an incredibly heinous crime, something that no society, no city can tolerate," Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said. "What that woman suffered and endured nobody should have to suffer and endure at any time, anywhere."
Police said Robert has eight prior arrests. They have released a photo of him from a 2014 robbery arrest in Brooklyn.
There is a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
