Police hunt suspect in attempted rape, robbery in Upper Manhattan building

HAMILTON HEIGHTS (WABC) -- Police are trying to track down a man wanted in connection with an attempted rape and robbery in Upper Manhattan.

Investigators say the incident happened the night of March 10th, when a 31-year old woman entered her Hamilton Heights building at the same time as the suspect, who lingered in the hallway while she checked her mail.

When the victim began to walk up to her apartment the suspect approached her and went through her pockets and took her cellphone, police say.

The woman took the cell phone back and the suspect backed off. According to police, the victim continued up to her apartment and as she entered her apartment the suspect ran in behind her, trying to remove her blouse and pants.

The woman fought back, yelled and the suspect fled the apartment with her cellphone.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, approximately 5'7", last seen wearing a beige coat with a black hooded sweatshirt underneath.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at http://WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.