NYPD: Man wanted in attack on German tourist in Harlem is level 3 sex offender

HARLEM, Manhattan (WABC) -- Police have identified a person wanted for questioning in the attack on a German tourist last week in Manhattan.

The NYPD identified the person as 28-year-old Keon Robinson, who police say is a level 3 sex offender.

"That's the highest we have," NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said. "He was arrested January 13, 2007, in the 81st Precinct, for a robbery very similar top this. Robs a female and sexually assaulted her, as well. He is arrested and charged. He does seven years in jail. He got out in July 2014 as a registered sex offender. He violated his parole at some point in summer 2016 and did six months in jail for that."

Robinson is known to frequent Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, investigators said, and detectives have been hunting him since identifying him as a person of interest Friday.

"We consider him a highly dangerous individual," Boyce said. "He knows we are looking for him."

Robinson reportedly lives in Harlem, just blocks from the attack on the tourist early Thursday morning. He was most recently released from prison in January.

The 31-year-old woman was beaten and sexually assaulted while returning to her Airbnb rental on West 146th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard in Harlem around 2:50 a.m., according to police.

Authorities said the victim was repeatedly punched by the suspect, who took her purse. After knocking her to the ground, investigators say the suspect removed her clothing and sexually assaulted her.

Police say Robinson is the person seen on surveillance video attacking the tourist.

Robinson is described as approximately 5-foot-8 and 175 pounds with short, dark hair. He was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, white sneakers and a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, and authorities believe he is responsible for two April robberies.

"First case is April 24," Boyce said. "At about 4 a.m., our victim, a 35-year-old female, was walking in the area of 130 Bradhurst. She's walking about 4 a.m., a male comes up to her and says, 'This could be easy, I have a gun, just give me your bag.' She begins to scream, and the perp punches her several times with a closed fist and takes the purse."

Police say they were able to identify Robinson by name after detectives spotted him on surveillance video at a Home Depot in the Bronx. They said he robbed another person three days later.

"April 27, at about 1:40 p.m. at 70 139th street, a strong arm robbery," Boyce said. "Perp with a hood walks up to him and says, 'I will not hurt you, just give me your money.' He gives him $40 and leaves the scene."

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).