The police released a sketch of a man suspected of attacking two women early Sunday in the West Village. In both incidents, the women were exiting cabs when he attacked.
Around 2:15 a.m., a 30-year-old woman got out of her cab at 240 Bleecker Street, near Our Lady of Pompeii school. According to the Post, the "hooded thug lunged from behind, threw her to the ground and smashed her head on the ground." Though the woman was able to run to Leroy Street, he caught up, "pounced, ripped off her pants and grabbed her crotch and buttocks," only leaving when she screamed.
The victim spoke to the Daily News, "He made eye contact, and I could feel that something was not right. My gut knew. He was clearly after me."
In the second attack, a 26-year-old got out of a cab at Barrow Street and Bleecker. While she called a friend nearby on her cell phone, the attacker jumped her, "tried to drag her down an outside stairway, hitting her head on the concrete as he grabbed at her crotch" (Post). A police source says she tried to offer him her purse, and the victim managed to get away after "kicking the man in the crotch" (Daily News).
Both women were treated for their injuries. The police are canvassing the neighborhood and asking women to be careful at night. Additionally, the News reports neighbors heard the screams "but did nothing." The suspect is described as a Hispanic man, in his 20s, about 5'7" and 140 pounds.
