The incident happened around 5 a.m. last Tuesday, September 17.
Police say the 35-year-old victim hailed a SUV livery cab, and once inside the vehicle, she was forcibly raped by the driver.
The victim was able to get out of the vehicle in the vicinity of East 95th Street and Avenue B.
The suspect is described as a black male, 20 to 25 years old, standing approximately 6-foot-2 and weighing 175 to 210 pounds.
His vehicle was an SUV, unlike 85% of all legitimate livery cabs. Monday night, some industry experts say the suspect was likely not a licensed livery driver.
"That's why we believe that a legitimate driver would not take the risk, would not take the chance, of raping a woman at 5 a.m. in the morning because he is going to get caught," said Fernando Mateo, NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers.
Residents Eyewitness News spoke with said the crime is unnerving, and there is tremendous sympathy for the victim.
Authorities admit the photos are grainy, but they are hoping the man's hat and jacket are so distinctive that someone will recognize him.
Anyone with information in regards is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
