A Bushwick woman who was attacked in her own apartment while sleeping has spoken publicly for the first time, nearly 10 months after a stranger allegedly climbed through her window, sexually assaulted her and stole her phone. The alleged attacker has not been arrested, and the NYPD says the investigation remains ongoing. The victim says she is still living with PTSD—and fears he could strike again.
The 43-year-old, who asked not to be identified, told News 12 that she was asleep in her third-floor apartment near Pilling Street and Evergreen Avenue when she smelled cologne and saw a shadow. She said the man used a rope tied to the building’s chimney to climb down to the window, then stayed inside for more than an hour. Police said he zip-tied her arms, sexually assaulted her and took her cellphone; she later described bruises and a black eye.
Earlier reporting by CBS New York, citing police, said the suspect entered through an unlocked kitchen window and put a pillow over the woman’s head during a struggle. He was described as wearing a white baseball cap, black sweatshirt, dark pants and black sneakers, while carrying a dark-colored bag. Police released a photo as they sought help identifying him.
The Victim Says The Investigation Stalled
The victim said she is frustrated that the case slowed despite what she believes was strong evidence. She told News 12 that investigators said they knew the suspect’s name and where some of his family members were, but she still could not understand why he had not been caught.
She now lives out of state, often wakes up screaming and suffers from PTSD, according to News 12. She said she spoke out partly to warn other women, saying the alleged attacker is still out there and could do this again. Nassau County police also circulated the same photo after saying a man was accused of burglarizing another woman’s home in Roosevelt in July 2025; a department spokesperson told News 12 the agency was working with the NYPD.
Police Continued Seeking Help From Bushwick Residents
Minutes from an October 2025 meeting of Brooklyn Community Board 4 said the 83rd Precinct distributed Crime Stoppers flyers about a residential burglary and lewd act on Pilling Street. The minutes listed a $3,500 reward for information, underscoring that the case remained an active concern in the neighborhood weeks after the attack.
Anyone with information can contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS, or submit a tip online, according to CBS New York. The department says tips can be provided confidentially.
