Cabbie Attempts to Rape Passenger After Astoria Drop-off: Police

Surveillance video shows the livery cab driver running into a building in Astoria, allegedly following a 20-year-old passenger he'd just dropped off

Police are searching for a livery cab driver they say attempted to rape a female passenger immediately after dropping her off at a home in Astoria, Queens last Friday.

The driver allegedly dropped off the 20-year-old woman in front of her grandmother's home near 30th Street and 34th Avenue at about 1:30 a.m. June 13. As she sat on the front stoop, the driver rounded the block twice, then stopped and asked her to join him for a drink, according to a law enforcement source. 

When she refused, he chased her into her building.

Once inside the building vestibule, the driver grabbed the woman from behind and attempted to rape her, according to police. She was able to break free before the driver fled in his cab, a Lincoln town car.

The victim was taken to an area hospital with minor injuries. She was unable to recall name of the cab company, police said.

The suspect is described as being in his early to mid 20s, about 5 feet 4 inches and 150 pounds. He was last seen wearinig a black shirt with dark pants and frameless eyeglasses.

Police have released surveillance video of the driver as he followed the victim into the building. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or at nypdcrimestoppers.com. 

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