Newly released surveillance footage of the suspect behind a Queens rape attempt appears to show the sicko with a handkerchief apparently used to subdue his victim.
The chilling video that the NYPD released early on Sunday morning shows the suspect walking down a sidewalk and calmly folding the cloth moments after he allegedly used it to attempt to smother the woman’s cries for help.
Law enforcement sources said the incident unfolded at around 5:45 a.m. in an alleyway near a home on the 3100 block of 94th Street in East Elmhurst.
Police reported that the victim, a 32-year-old woman, was taking a shortcut on her way home following a late-night shift at work when the assailant trailed after her.
Seconds later, authorities said, he came up to the woman from behind, wrapped the handkerchief around her mouth and threatened to kill her if she did not comply with the assault.
He pushed his victim to the ground and began removing her pants and undergarments. Cops say a nearby resident heard the woman’s screams and peered out of her window after hearing the stomach-churning attack taking place.
The Good Samaritan leapt into action after hearing the victim yell in Spanish that she had children, according to a report by ABC7.
Thanks to the Good Samaritan, the attacker took off running, leaving his victim partially undressed. The victim was rushed to a local hospital in stable condition.
The perpetrator was last seen wearing a beige coat and blue pants. The NYPD’s Queens Special Victims Squad is on the hunt for the suspect.
Anyone with information regarding the attempted rape or the suspect’s whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
