Building Surveillance Video of Chelsea Attacker Released

Footage of a man suspected of following a Canadian tourist into a Chelsea apartment building elevator--and later sexually assaulting and robbing her--was released yesterday. The video shows a man following the victim into the Heywood, on Ninth Avenue at West 26th Street, around 4:30 a.m.; the NY Post describes the attacker as a "slim, bald man wearing a white T-shirt and jeans" carrying flowers and pushing a mountain bike. The attacker managed to choke the victim so she passed out and take her clothes off, but he left when he heard noises from the other person living in the apartment. He did take her wedding ring, passport, camera and cell phone, and is seen leaving the building--with flowers and bike--around 4:45 a.m. The building is supposed to have an "attended lobby," but the doorman apparently wasn't around during the attack.

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By Jen Chung in News on August 3, 2008 10:28 AM

Comments [rss]

robingee

What is wrong with these men? It's too bad we have to watch every person and assume the worst of everyone. It would be nice to just go through the day not worrying about this crap.

west side Michael

People from out of town are nice to

strangers and have open defenses ,ever see a kid

or two leave their laptop on a table while they

go to the toilet at Starbucks?

I feel sorry for this woman and hope they

catch this creep he may be known to the flower

peddlers on 28th street and 7th who sell almost

dead flowers cheaply 24/7,just a guess.

cucarachita

This scumbag obviously figured carrying flowers would make him look like some harmless delivery guy, and counted on a woman being cooperative enough to let him come in with her.

I had some creep first try to make eye contact as if he knew me, the then try and follow me home from the subway yesterday, and even when I slowed down to let him pass me, he slowed down too. So I made sure to hang back when the light changed, and stopped to make a phone call from the traffic island while I watched and made sure he wasn't going down my block. I was pretty appalled at his obviousness. Maybe because I had luggage he figured I was a clueless tourist too.

There happens to be a high statistical rate of rape in my neighborhood, so I already know to be careful coming home. There's no need to be "nice" and let strangers in behind you as you enter your building. If someone tries to enter with you, either hang back or let them go ahead without you, and don't get in the elevator with them.