74-year-old Bronx woman fights off attacker who groped her
MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) -- A Bronx community is on alert after a man tried to rape a 74-year-old woman who uses a walker. Fortunately, the woman fought back.
The incident occurred at East 161st and Park Avenue in the Melrose section.
Surveillance video shows the man walking into an elevator, and behind him, you can see the victim's walker as she enters the elevator. The man then follows her down the hallway and into her apartment, where he put her in a chokehold and groped her.
The victim was able to bang on a neighbor's door, scaring her attacker into running off.
The NYPD released video the suspect in an area convenience store.
Neighbors say they are just anxious for police to catch the man who did it.
"(He's) a disgusting person," area resident Carmen Pabon said. "Someone that is a horrible person, because we all have mothers, don't we?"
People in the neighborhood say they are vulnerable, and they have an issue they say gave the predator an opportunity to get inside the building -- the door is open.
"They need to fix the door," one resident said.
Some residents are now taking their safety into their own hands.
"To honestly tell you, after 6 p.m., I don't come outside," Pabon said. "During the day, you have to be alert."
Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to give them a call.
