Police Search For Suspect In Attempted Rape In Washington Heights
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are looking for a man who they say followed a woman into a Washington Heights appartment building and sexually assaulted her.
Police say the man -- seen on surveillance video wearing a red polo shirt, black-rimmed glasses, cap and backpack -- trespassed, stalked and attacked a 33-year-old woman who lives in a building on West 172nd Street at St. Nicholas Avenue, CBS2's Dave Carlin reported.
The attack happened around 1 a.m. Saturday. The victim told investigators the man followed her into the elevator and did not push a button, which she found odd. She then pressed the button for her floor. Once they reached her floor, the suspect grabbed her and tried to wrestle her to the floor of the hallway and sexually assault her, but she fought back, successfully pushing him away, police said.
She then ran into her apartment and locked the door. He left the building.
The victim did not need medical attention, police said.
Nervous neighbors said they're now enforcing a rule that no tailgating through lobby doors is allowed.
"Made me worry. Made me angry," said Edith Astacio, a Washington Heights resident.
"I'm glad that she's OK, and (hope) that this guy gets caught real soon," said Hector Araujo.
Police are asking anyone with information about the suspect to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-8477 or to submit a tip online at NYPDCrimeStoppers.com. All communications are kept confidential.