Search Continues For Suspect Sought In Queens Slashing
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The search continues for a suspect who police said slashed a woman's neck when she refused to talk to him.
It happened in the lobby of a building in Queens around 5:20 a.m. on Oct. 1.
Police said the man came up to a 26-year-old woman and tried to talk to her, but when she refused and turned away, he grabbed her from behind and slashed her on her neck.
The woman was taken to an area hospital, where she was reported in critical but stable condition, police said.
Many who live in the area said the neighborhood is usually safe.
Search Continues For Suspect Sought In Queens Slashing
"It's an OK neighborhood," one woman told 1010 WINS' John Montone. "I'm out every morning, go to the gym every morning."
But another resident said a similar incident recently happened to his loved one.
"She got hit from behind," Carlos Iaje told CBS 2's Janelle Burrell. "She didn't know what happened, she just woke up in the hospital. That can happen to anybody, so you have to be more careful."
Tahmina Haq, who lives in the building with her young children, showed CBS 2 cellphone video of people she says routinely loiter in the lobby and hallway.
"All the nights I am scared," she said. "My kids are scared. No sleep."
Other residents complain of trespassing and illegal activity as well.
"Use drugs and alcohol," said resident Claudi Elama. "It's really dangerous. I feel nervous."
"You can see prostitutes going in and out," one woman said. "There's no security in the building so it's like the building is a target."
People who live here say part of the problem is that this exterior door is often left unlocked. One resident, who did not want to be identified, said she and others have complained to the landlord, but have gotten no response.
The suspect was seen on surveillance video.
Police described him as a black or Hispanic man, about 20 years old, with brown eyes and short black hair, standing about 6 feet tall and weighing around 180 pounds.
He was last seen wearing black sneakers and blue jeans, police said. Police have released surveillance video.
Anyone with information was asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, visit the Crime Stoppers website or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
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