A 36-year-old woman was walking down Clarkson Avenue in Brooklyn on Monday night when a man approached her, pushed her to the ground, climbed on top of her, and began strangling her, according to police reports.
The woman was saved thanks to the intervention of heroic bystanders who heard her cries for help. “Stop, he’s raping me!” the woman shouted, prompting a man to rush over and pull the attacker off of her.
“I just grabbed him and pulled him off of her,” the unidentified good Samaritan told reporters. The suspect fled on foot and remains at large. The victim suffered minor injuries but refused medical attention.
Suspect still not apprehended
The NYPD described the suspect as 5’5″ with long black dreadlocked hair. He remains on the loose, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.
Sadly, this latest attack represents just one of many recent sexual assaults plaguing New York City streets.
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A string of brutal daytime attacks
In July, a Hispanic man allegedly assaulted a young woman in broad daylight on a Queens street. In April, another Latino was accused of choking and dragging a 68-year-old woman into a Bronx garage to rape her.
Other chilling incidents include the March beating and sexual abuse of a woman near a Brooklyn cemetery and the rape of a grandmother by a religious offender. In March, a registered sex offender on parole received 37 years for raping a Korean tourist in Manhattan.
Women urged to stay vigilant
While bystander intervention may have saved one victim this week, these attacks highlight the need for women to remain vigilant in New York City. Authorities urge awareness of surroundings and utilizing the “buddy system” when possible. Self-defense classes are also recommended.
The NYPD vows to continue working diligently to apprehend suspects and make the streets safe. But citizens must also do their part by intervening when possible and speaking up if they witness or experience an assault. Community awareness and action are key to deterring future attacks.