Man Puts NYU Student in Choke Hold, Tries to Rape Her on Soho Street: NYPD

The woman was taken to the hospital with facial injuries

A man sneaked up behind a 20-year-old NYU student carrying shopping bags on a Soho street, put her in a choke hold and tried to rape her before robbing her and running off, police said.

Authorities say the woman was walking on Thompson Street between Prince and Spring streets around 1:15 a.m. Tuesday when she was attacked. 

The suspect attempted to sexually assault her, then ran off with her bags.

Surveillance video shows the man believed to be the suspect walking into the lobby of a building with a bag, believed to belong to the woman, police say. He's seen taking off his coat, then leaving the lobby.

The woman was taken to the hospital with facial injuries.

Residents of the neighborhood said they felt safe in the area, which is busy even late at night.

"I've jogged at night, I come home late from work -- there's usually people around," said Verenice Lopez.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

Contact Us