A disturbing video capturing a masked man assaulting a woman in New York has gone viral, sparking outrage and fear. The footage shows the man trailing a woman walking down a sidewalk in the Bronx, before suddenly attacking her with a belt and knocking her unconscious. He then drags her limp body between two parked cars, where police say he sexually assaulted her.
The Horrific Assault The video, which was captured by a nearby security camera in the early hours of May 1st, shows the terrifying assault unfold around 3 AM on a street in the Bronx. It shows the man putting on a mask as he follows the woman, before taking out a belt and wrapping it around her neck from behind. He violently tugs the belt, choking the woman and slamming her headfirst into the concrete sidewalk, leaving her motionless.
With the woman now unconscious, the man then drags her between two parked sedans and remains there for several minutes, out of view of the camera.
According to a police report, the man sexually assaulted the woman while she was unconscious between the vehicles. The video cuts off before the woman emerges, stumbling and injured, after the attacker flees the scene on foot.
Police Investigation and Manhunt The New York Police Department has launched an investigation into the attack by the Special Victims Unit. As of May 7th, the perpetrator remains at large, days after the NYPD released the video footage to the public to help identify the man.
Investigators believe the attack was premeditated, with the man waiting for the woman to walk by before ambushing her. They also suspect the two know each other, as the attacker seemed to specifically target her and be aware of her routine.
The woman was rushed to a nearby hospital after witnesses called 911. She has since been treated and released, but is said to have suffered significant injuries in the strangulation and assault. However, she has stopped cooperating with the police investigation, authorities said.
Public Outcry and Safety Concerns
The release of the video has sparked public outrage over the brazen, violent attack against a woman walking alone at night. Many have voiced anger that such a sexual predator is still freely roaming the streets. The assault has also further contributed to existing anxieties over safety in New York City.
It’s absolutely sickening that a woman cannot even walk down the street without some monster pouncing on her,” said Gloria Steinem, a woman’s rights activist, in an interview with the New York Times. “The police need to do more to catch this man and prevent such heinous crimes.
Others have pointed to the attack as further evidence that the city needs to improve preventative measures and resources for victims. “This is the harsh reality too many women face while simply trying to get home safe,” said one victim advocate.
The NYPD has stated the investigation remains a top priority, and has urged anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, many women remain on high alert, with some avoiding going out alone at night out of fear of copycat attacks. The city awaits the perpetrator’s capture, as the search for the masked man continues.
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