Would-Be Rapist Thwarted Mid-Attack In Queens Subway: NYPD

QUEENS, NY — A struggling woman's screams helped thwart a would-be rapist who violently attacked her in a Queens subway station, police said.

The attacker — an as-yet-unidentified man — ran off when the woman's cries drew attention from a security guard inside the 169th Street station early Feb. 24, authorities said.

The brutal sexual assault unfolded about 12:10 a.m. when a 20-year-old woman walked off an F train, NYPD officials said.

A man followed her from the train before punching her in the face several times, police said. He covered her face, knocked her to the ground and tried to remove her clothing on the station's mezzanine, all while she struggled and screamed, authorities said.

When a security guard rushed up to help the woman, the attacker ran from the station toward 168th Place, police said.

Medics took the woman to a local hospital in stable condition, officials said.

Police released photographs and video late Wednesday showing the suspect.

The man is described as roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall. He last wore a white tank top, a light blue hooded sweatshirt, black pants and orange-and-white sneakers, police said.

People with information are asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). They can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, or on Twitter @NYPDTips.