Chinatown residents on high alert after woman sexually assaulted, followed into her building
CHINATOWN, Manhattan (WABC) -- Residents in Chinatown are on high alert after a woman was sexually assaulted.
Police say a man followed the victim into her building on Madison Street last Saturday night, cornered her in the vestibule, and forcibly groped her.
People who live on the block say while it could happen anywhere, it is upsetting when it happens in a place they have felt pretty safe.
"As safe as any woman would, so you'll have your pepper spray or mace on your keys, but usually these streets are pretty busy," Kayla Pasquale said.
"Some of these streets are pretty dark at night, and anything can happen," Kirby Santos said.
The street is not especially well lit, and there is not a lot of foot traffic -- even on a Saturday night. The attack happened at 8:30 p.m. when most of the businesses on the block are closed.
"As women I feel like we should protect each other, but you know, things happen," Sandy Wang said.
The victim told police she did not know her attacker. Neighbors who spoke to Eyewitness News say they will be on the lookout and hope he is caught. In the meantime, they are taking extra precaution.
"Call your friends when you're walking home, try not to walk home late by yourself. Always share your location with your friends. Try not to be anywhere by yourself, said Chrissy Trovato.
The suspect was last seen walking towards Catherine Street.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.
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