Woman, 83, Fights Off Man Who Followed Her to Manhattan Apartment Door

An 83-year-old woman fought off a man who followed her into an Upper Manhattan apartment building and tried to sexually assault her at her front door, police said. She was able to shut the door on him and call 911, while the man fled.

The NYPD released surveillance images as investigators sought help identifying the suspect. No arrest had been announced in the October 30 reporting, four days after the encounter in the Inwood neighborhood.

Police said the incident occurred around 8:55 a.m. on October 26 inside a residential building near Vermilyea Avenue and West 204th Street. The man followed the woman into the building and approached her as she reached her apartment.

According to police, he exposed himself, made sexual advances and tried to force his way inside. The woman resisted during a brief physical struggle and prevented him from entering.

The New York Daily News reported, citing police, that she slammed the door in his face before calling for help. Emergency medical personnel treated her at the scene for minor injuries. Authorities did not publicly identify her in the accounts of the incident.

Surveillance Appeal Focuses on Identifying the Man

The suspect left on foot, according to police accounts reported by amNewYork and 1010 WINS. Investigators circulated images and video in an effort to establish his identity and whereabouts.

amNewYork described the man in the police-provided footage as having a goatee and wearing a black du-rag, black jacket and black pants with gray shoes. The report said he was carrying a black-and-red backpack. The images were part of the public appeal to identify him.

The incident was reported to the 34th Precinct, which covers the Inwood area. Authorities asked people who recognize the person in the surveillance material, or who have information about the encounter, to contact detectives through Crime Stoppers.

Tips can be made by calling 1-800-577-TIPS, or 1-888-57-PISTA for Spanish. The NYPD also accepts submissions through its Crime Stoppers website and the @NYPDTips account on X. Police say calls are kept confidential.

References: Upper Manhattan: Attempted Rape of 83-Year-Old | Woman, 83, Fends Off Would-Be Rapist at Her Manhattan Apartment, Police Say | Manhattan rape attempt: Pervert sought for attempting to sexually assault 83-year-old woman in her apartment | NYPD Hunting Man Who Tried to Rape 83-Year-Old NYC Woman

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