Park Slope Residents Horrified After Man Tries To Strangle 3 Women
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The neighborhood of Park Slope, Brooklyn was on alert Friday night, as police searched for a man who has been attacking women and trying to strangle them.
As CBS2's Tracee Carrasco reported, neighbors have been taking a close look at "wanted" posters that have been put up by the NYPD.
"It's scary," said neighbor Michelle Di Lello.
"When we find something like that, you get surprised," added resident Orlando Joyce.
Police were searching for one man in connection with attacks on three women near 16th Street and Fifth Avenue in Brooklyn, in the early morning hours of July 20 and 21.
Police said the man followed his victims, and in two cases, attempted to strangle them.
Police have released information on one attack, in which the man choked a 26-year-old woman and pushed her into her parked car on 16th Street on July 21. He ran off after she screamed, police told 1010 WINS.
In a third case, at 4 a.m. July 24, he tried to force his way into a 34-year-old woman's building as she unlocked the door, according to police.
Elba Alvarez, the victim's neighbor, said she was woken up by the woman's screams.
"She was opening the door and the guy was behind her right here, and she knew he doesn't live here," Alvarez said.
Police said the suspect then exposed himself and shoved the woman into the foyer.
"I'm scared now to go out," Alvarez said. "I used to walk my dog. Now I'm afraid to do it late."
Area residents hope police catch the violent man before he has the chance to strike again.
"We want the authorities to find him so we can walk the street and not be afraid," Di Lello said.
Police said the suspect is about 20 years old, 6 feet tall, and 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.