The NYPD on Sunday released surveillance footage of the suspect who attempted to rape a 32-year-old woman in Queens early Friday before a good Samaritan intervened. The incident occurred in East Elmhurst around 5:45 a.m. with the suspect wearing blue jeans and a light-colored sweater.
The victim was walking near 31-31 94th St. when the attacker approached her from behind, covered her mouth with a handkerchief, threatened her, and threw her to the ground. The suspect then proceeded to pull down the woman's pants and underwear in an attempt to assault her.
A brave local resident witnessed the attack and immediately intervened, chasing the suspect away. The female witness recounted hearing the victim plead that she had three kids before seeing the suspect on top of her. Despite not being properly dressed, the witness ran after the suspect, who managed to flee the scene.
The victim, traumatized by the attack, was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition. Police sources indicated that she was on her way home from work when the assault occurred. Authorities urge anyone with information on the suspect to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.
The good Samaritan who intervened expressed relief at being able to stop the attack and being in the right place at the right time.
Additional reporting by Larry Celona
