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Police: Would-Be Rapist Attacks Sleeping 8-Year-Old In East Harlem Home

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police on Wednesday were looking for a man who they said tried to rape an 8-year-old girl as she was sleeping in her bed at her East Harlem home.

The incident happened around 11:15 p.m. last Thursday near East 108th Street and First Avenue. Police have not specified the building where it happened.

As CBS2's Jessica Layton reported, the girl's father was also home in the apartment when the assailant climbed into the girl's window next to a fire escape. She woke up to find the suspect tugging her and nibbling on her ear, 1010 WINS' Holli Haerr reported.

The suspect then said "shhh," according to sources.

attempted rape

The girl's father came into the room after hearing a noise and found the open window, but the suspect was already gone, sources said.

There were also two other children in the home at the time, but they did not come into contact with the suspect, sources said.

People who live in the area were disgusted as CBS2 started to tell them the story.

"I'm a mom, I'm an aunt, and I'm scared," said Diana Perez.

"I think it's crazy. Nothing like this has ever happened around here," another resident said. "We got security right across the street."

"Personally I would like to have him fall out the window," said John Mojica of East Harlem.

Thankfully, the girl was not physically hurt. But police were on the hunt for the suspect late Wednesday.

"That's very alarming, that's very alarming," said Kendred Smith of East Harlem.

As a father and a dean at a local school, Smith looks out for kids in the area, so news of the attempted rape had him rattled.

"He's in one fire escape now. What's to say he won't be in another one," Smith said.

As night fell over the neighborhood, residents were nervous about going to bed. Some wondered if the suspect was still lingering around.

"If I had children, I would definitely be concerned. I wonder why the guy isn't caught yet," Benjamin Riley said.

With so many kids living in the neighborhood, residents won't relax until the criminal is caught.

The NYPD released a sketch of the suspect, which sources said is based on a description provided by the girl. Police describe the suspect as a male Hispanic, in his 20s with black shoulder length hair and acne-speckled skin.

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.

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