A late-night attack inside a Brooklyn business has NYPD detectives asking the public for help after a 50-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and robbed near Myrtle Avenue and Lewis Avenue early Sunday morning.
Police say the assailant attacked the woman inside a commercial establishment, sexually assaulted her, then took off on foot with her jewelry, credit cards, about $300 in cash and her cellphone. Investigators have circulated a wanted notice and are urging anyone who was nearby or has video to come forward.
What Police Say
According to NYPD Crime Stoppers, the incident happened at about 12:50 a.m. on Sunday inside a commercial business in the area of Myrtle Avenue and Lewis Avenue. The post identifies the victim as a 50-year-old woman and states that an unknown individual sexually assaulted her before stealing personal items.
The alert notes that the items reported stolen include jewelry, credit cards, roughly $300 in cash and a cellphone, before the attacker fled on foot.
How To Help
Anyone with information can call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit a tip online through the NYPD Crime Stoppers page. Rewards of up to $3,500 may be available for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment, according to the NYPD.
Spanish speakers can call 1-888-57-PISTA or use the web form listed on the Crime Stoppers site.
Why Tips Matter
On its Crime Stoppers page, the NYPD notes that "Crime Stoppers has helped solve more than 5,300 violent crimes, including over 1,400 murders and attempted murders," underscoring how anonymous tips can help move cases like this one forward.
The program allows people to share information anonymously by phone, web form or mobile app, which police say can provide crucial leads for detectives who may have little more than surveillance video and a timeline to work with.
Case Status
The NYPD Crime Stoppers alert urges anyone with video, photos or details about the suspect or the incident to contact the hotline or submit information online. For emergencies or to report a crime in progress, police remind New Yorkers to call 911.
