Hunt Continues For Suspect In Violent Rape, Robbery At NYU Catholic Center
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are hoping surveillance video will help them find a suspect who they said raped a woman at New York University's Catholic Center in Greenwich Village.
NYU is warning students to be on high alert and to be on the lookout for suspect wanted in the attack. It happened early Thursday morning as police said a 24-year-old missionary was letting herself into the center.
Police said a man shoved her through a door and raped her just inside the glass wall steps from the sidewalk.
"I'm really worried because I have classes really late so I'm concerned about my commute at night," said NYU student Antiqua Mirza.
"It's terrifying to think that it happened right," said nearby resident Jennifer Holland.
Investigators spent the entire day taking measurements and lifting fingerprints from the glass doorway.
The victim's boots, tights and other personal belongings were left strewn about the hallway along with items she was intending to use to cook breakfast for a group of priests.
Police released surveillance video they show shows the suspect walking in the area around the time of the attack. He is described as a black man in his 20s with a muscular build.
Police said he was wearing a dark grey sweater, dark jeans and an Ace bandage around his right hand. Investigators said the fedora-type hat was also dropped at the scene.
Detectives tracked the victim's stolen iPhone to a shop in Midtown when the "Find My iPhone" app signal activated. They said the attacker tried to sell the phone. It's since been turned off.
"We've done some work on some of this property, trying to track it, and that's where we stand at this time," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Friday.
Detectives are classifying the case as a high priority.
"I think this is one of the safest places in the city," said resident Colin Serling. "It's sad."
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visit CrimeStoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
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