Crime & Safety
Man Arrested For Attempting To Rape Woman On UWS, Police Say
Desmond Smith, 32, was charged with attempted rape after he viciously attacked the woman and tried to take off her clothes Wednesday night.
UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — Police arrested the man who beat and bit a woman as he tried to rape her on an Upper West Side street Wednesday night.
Desmond Smith, 32, was arrested on Thursday a day after he attempted to the rape the 37-year-old woman blocks away from his West 83rd Street home, police said.
The woman was approached by Smith at Central Park West and 84th Street when he tried to talk to her at 11 p.m., according to the NYPD.
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When she ignored him, Smith threw her to the ground then stomped and bite her in the head while ripping off her clothing, police said.
The woman fought back until a nearby doorman heard her screaming for help and scared Smith off, who ran away towards Columbus Avenue, according to police.
Find out what's happening in Upper West Sidefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She suffered a skull fracture in the attack and was treated at Lenox Hill Hospital for her injuries, the New York Post reported.
Smith was arrested the next day and charged with attempted rape, strangulation, sexual abuse and assault by police.
Video: NYPD
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