2 witnesses stop man trying to sexually assault woman in Brooklyn

EAST WILLIAMSBURG, Brooklyn (WABC) -- A woman was walking home in Brooklyn when a man approached her from behind and tried to sexually assault her.

But two Good Samaritans, a father and stepson, heard the woman's cries for help and raced to her aid.

The duo, well versed in martial arts, chased down the suspect, 31-year-old Todd Deas, who has 19 prior arrests, including sealed rape and sexual abuse cases from 1999 and 2000.

He has served three prison stints and was paroled in July.

The witnesses happened to be in the area on their way home from work at about 12:30 a.m. on McKibben Street in East Williamsburg.

They heard sounds of a struggle and saw Deas on top of the 27-year-old victim.

Police stayed with the bruised and swollen victim while the men stayed on the phone with police and followed Deas several blocks until officers could arrest him.

He is cHarged with attempted rape, assault and strangulation.