Neighbors On Edge After Broad Daylight Rape In Brooklyn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The hunt continued Monday for a rapist and robber who struck in broad daylight in Flatbush-Ditmas Park, Brooklyn, and neighbors were on edge as they learned about the horrifying attack.
As CBS 2's Sean Hennessey reported, the chilling surveillance video showed the suspect forcing his alleged victim down a gangway near East 27th Street and Glenwood Road, after telling her he had a gun. The 22-year-old was then raped.
"I'm surprised," said Tania Brewster of Midwood. "I've been living here the past 11 years. I've never heard anything like that happen over here."
The attack happened Saturday at 9:45 a.m., as the victim walked to work.
"That's really crazy," said Christina Placide of Midwood. "I guess now one is safe, no matter what time – broad daylight."
Brooklyn College is about a block away from the site where the incident happened. Students received an e-mail about the morning attack.
"Oh my God," said Brooklyn College student Lauren Zaccaro. "You think you're in a secure place, but you know you're ever secure anywhere – kind of scary, actually."
Sources told CBS 2 the victim was pulled off the street, but never saw the gun the suspect claimed he had. After the rape, surveillance cameras caught the suspect throwing the victim's cell phone over a wall, then running away.
Sources told CBS 2 police believe the reason for the phone toss was so that the victim could no call for help.
"My suspicion is he lives around here," said another resident who asked not to be identified. "He seemed to know that that alley was available to take her here."
Brooklyn College has urged students to be alert, walk in pairs and use the campus shuttle service. Some have taken the advice to heart.
"Just be more safer, because you're not aware of things like that when you're walking," said student Sierra Powell. "So just pay attention to who's around you and your surroundings."
Police said the video they have released has led to some tips, but so far, no arrests have been made.
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