Doorman steps in to help stop sexually assault near Gracie Mansion
UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- Police are searching for a man who tried to sexually assault a 19-year-old woman steps from Gracie Mansion.
It happened just after 1 a.m. Saturday on East 90th Street and East End Avenue in a quiet area of the Upper East Side.
Hande Erkan regularly walks on that block to get to her boyfriend's place - the very block police say the attempted rape happened.
"I would never think it would happen in this neighborhood, because it more safe in here. Much more relaxed," said Erkan.
The assault sends shivers down the spines of young women who live in the area. Gabby Newman, 20, is not so shocked because of her own recent experiences.
"There was a guy - my dad and were going to get groceries - and he was like walking towards me, thrusting his hips at me," Newman said.
Not many people were awake at the time of the attack - but doorman Hector Mateo heard the girl's screams when she was pushed to the ground.
"She was - you know, blood - in distress, sweating, crying - it was horrible," Mateo said.
Mateo says the girl bit her attacker.
"I tried to chase him - I pointed my flashlight at him," he said.
Mateo was working late, and rushed out of the building to help.
"I was thinking about my daughter - I was thinking about the shareholders - the people who live here and their young daughters," Mateo added.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry wrote on X,
"Such an atrocious crime not only affects the victim but sends waves through the entire community."
The victim was taken to the hospital where she is recovering.
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