New York City police investigating disturbing video of sex assault in Bronx

MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) — New York City police are investigating a viral video that appears to show a sexual assault that happened in the Bronx.

A police report confirms that a sexual assault happened near East 152nd Street and 3rd Avenue on May 1 around 3 a.m.

A 45-year-old woman was followed by a man who lassoed a belt around her neck, which caused her to lose consciousness.

The man then dragged her behind a car and sexually assaulted the victim, authorities say.

The man then fled on foot towards Melrose Avenue. Police released surveillance images of the man they are looking for on Thursday night.

The woman was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in stable condition.

Police believe the man and the woman are known to each other.

Neighbors say everyone has seen the video — and they are stunned by it.

“It’s sad for women, it’s sad for everybody, but women take the worst part,” Melrose resident Justo Cordero said.

Residents also say it is a poignant reminder that more needs to be done about safety in the area.

“At any given moment someone can come and hurt you and police, when they need to be here they’re not,” said Melrose resident Luz Hernandez.

The man is believed to be about 5’9″ tall, and was last seen wearing a dark colored sweatshirt with “GAP” across the front, white sweatpants, and black-red-white sneakers.

If you have any information, you are asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

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