NYPD: Suspect Sought For Sexually Abusing Woman In Brooklyn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are continuing to search for a man who they said trailed a woman for several blocks in Brooklyn before sexually abusing her inside an apartment building.
Surveillance video released by police shows the man who they said attacked the 38-year-old woman around 10:30 p.m. Saturday in Sunset Park.
Authorities say the woman tripped while walking near the 25th Street subway station. The suspect, posing as a good Samaritan, tried to help but after, police said he followed her about six blocks before she went into a building on 31st Street.
Police said the woman started to go upstairs, but the man grabbed her between the first and second floors. She tried to fight him off, but was sexually abused, according to police. The suspect then fled the scene.
Gabriella Pjeda was inside her second floor apartment during the attack, but said she had no idea anything was wrong. In Spanish, she told CBS2's Ali Bauman that she didn't hear anything -- no noise or screams.
Police said the woman was on her way to a friend's apartment. She had minor injuries, but refused medical attention.
For some who live in the neighborhood, such an attack comes as a surprise. The 72nd precinct is right in between the subway stop and the apartment building the victim ran into.
"It's sad for our neighborhood," neighbor Anna Garcia said. "I have three daughters."
"We've never really worried about the neighborhood, so that wouldn't come into mind," said neighbor Ade Sanya.
Some are questioning the safety of the apartment building. When CBS2 went there Monday morning, the front door was ajar, Bauman reported.
"Every day, the door is open," said resident Karen Lozano. "I know it's not safe."
Authorities describe the suspect as a 23-year-old man, about 5' 9" with short straight black hair. He was last seen in a two-toned bubble jacket and dark jeans.
Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.