NEW York City police have released a photo of the fiend accused of wrapping a belt around a woman’s neck, knocking her unconscious, before sexually assaulting her.
The horrific attack was captured on surveillance footage, showing the unidentified man creeping up behind the 45-year-old woman in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx.
NYPD/ Crime StoppersNew York City police say the man in the image is behind a harrowing May 1 attack on a woman in the Bronx’s Melrose neighborhood[/caption]
NBC New YorkThe video showed the moment the man wrapped a belt around the woman’s neck like a lasso[/caption]
NYPD/ Crime StoppersLaw enforcement officials have put out a $3,500 reward for information leading to the man’s arrest[/caption]
NBC New YorkThe perp covered his face with what looked like a white towel[/caption]
The crime occurred on May 1 at around 3 am, as the video captured the moment the suspect slowly removed his belt and wrapped it around the woman’s neck like a lasso, according to police.
The victim then falls backward to the ground as the man begins to drag her by pulling on the belt.
Law enforcement officials said the woman was knocked unconscious when she hit her head on the sidewalk.
The suspect proceeded to drag the woman between two parked cars and sexually assault her while she was unconscious, police said.
The man, who had his face covered, fled on foot, law enforcement officials said.
He has not been arrested as of Friday.
New York police are offering a $3,500 reward for any information leading to the man’s arrest.
The woman was taken to the hospital in stable condition.
Police believe the man and woman know each other.
Residents in the Melrose area are on high alert after the video of the sick attack made rounds online.
“It’s sad for the women, it’s sad for everybody, but women take the worst part,” Justo Cordero told ABC affiliate KABC-TV.
“At any given moment, someone can come and hurt you and police, when they need to be here, they’re not,” concerned local Luz Hernandez added.
The suspect was last seen wearing a black GAP sweatshirt, white sweatpants, and black-red and white sneakers.
He’s described as 5-foot-9 with medium complexion.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.