BY ROBERT POZARYCKI | A Bronx man was picked up Friday for allegedly walking into an 82-year-old woman’s apartment at the Rutgers Houses on the Lower East Side this week and sexually assaulting her.
Police announced on Friday, Sept. 20, that they’ve charged David Alexander, 29, with felony assault, burglary, sex abuse and criminal obstruction of breathing.
Law enforcement sources said the incident happened at about 6 p.m. on Sept. 17 in the vicinity of Rutgers and Monroe Streets.
According to police, Alexander allegedly walked through the unsecured front door of the 82-year-old woman’s apartment. Moments earlier, sources familiar with the investigation said, the woman had walked out of her apartment for fresh air before returning, and apparently forgot to lock the door.
Authorities said Alexander allegedly confronted the woman as she walked out of her bathroom. According to the charges, he then grabbed the woman by the throat and choked her, causing pain and scratches.
Police said Alexander then allegedly groped the woman’s breast and began touching his own genitalia. Seconds later, he bolted from the scene on foot in an unknown direction.
Officers from the 7th Precinct and NYPD Public Service Area 4 responded to the incident. The woman was taken to Beth Israel Medical Center for treatment.
On Sept. 19, the NYPD released video footage of the suspect.
This story was updated on Sept. 21 at 7:55 a.m.
