Woman Punched, Nearly Raped On Brooklyn Street: Police

BROOKLYN, NY — A woman walking down a Brooklyn street was punched and nearly raped by a stranger, according to police, who are asking for help identifying the suspect.

The Nov. 16 attack unfolded in the vicinity of Watkins Street and Livonia Avenue in Brownsville, where police say the 25-year-old woman was walking around 11:30 p.m.

The unidentified man approached from behind, punched the woman in the face before trying to take off her clothes, according to police.

The attacker then got up and ran off to parts unknown, though it wasn’t immediately clear whether the victim fought him away or he left for another reason.

Police on Wednesday released surveillance video showing the man near the site of the attack.

The victim was taken to the hospital in stable condition, cops said.

Officials described the attacker as a man last seen wearing a green jacket with white sleeves.

As of early Wednesday morning, the attacker had not been located, and the Brooklyn Special Victims Squad was still looking into the incident.

Police asked anyone with information to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). People can also submit tips online or on Twitter, @NYPDTips.