Woman Escapes Assault On President Street

A young woman narrowly escaped being choked by an attacker on Friday, June 22, police said.

According to the report filed with the , the victim was walking down President Street at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Friday night when she was approached by an unknown man who told her he'd lost his phone.

Not wanting to engage the stranger, the woman continued toward Hoyt Street. The individual followed her closely for a few feet then, in a swift movement, wrapped his arm around her neck from behind and covered the victim's mouth. Struggling to release herself from her attacker's grasp, the woman fell to the ground and screamed, causing the assailant to flee toward Third Street.

When officers arrived on the scene, the victim joined them in conducting a search of the nearby area, but were unable to find the attacker, police said.

The suspect is described as being a light-skinned Hispanic male, with long straight black hair, and was wearing a white t-shirt and red shorts at the time of the incident. He is wanted for criminal obstruction of breath and the case is still undergoing investigation.

Anyone with any additional information is encouraged to reach out to the 76 Precinct. All phonecalls or tips will be kept anonymous.