Man arrested in NYC Midtown for allegedly choking and attempting to rape a woman on the street.

Authorities arrested a suspect early Wednesday morning in connection with a disturbing incident involving the attempted sexual assault of a woman in Hell’s Kitchen. The accused, identified as 37-year-old Anthony Smith, faces serious charges including attempted rape and strangulation following the alleged attack on a 21-year-old woman walking alone near the corner of West 47th Street and Eighth Avenue.

According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, when Smith approached the victim from behind. Reports indicate that he wrapped his arm around her neck, forcefully dragging her to the ground and rendering her unconscious through strangulation. The suspect reportedly attempted to remove her clothing; however, the victim regained consciousness during the struggle, causing Smith to flee the scene heading west on W. 47th Street toward Ninth Avenue.

Emergency services transported the victim to Metropolitan Hospital, where she received treatment for minor injuries sustained during the attack. In the wake of the incident, investigators canvassed the area for witnesses and evidence. They managed to recover surveillance footage capturing the suspect’s actions. Smith was seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts, and white sneakers at the time of the alleged crime. Law enforcement has released still images from the footage in hopes that the public can assist in identifying the suspect.

Further investigations revealed that Smith resides roughly four blocks from where the attempted assault occurred. His arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court is expected to take place shortly. As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding the incident or Smith’s whereabouts to come forward.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding public safety in urban areas, particularly late at night. The escalation of violent acts against women has sparked dialogue about community vigilance and the necessity for improved security measures to combat such alarming trends. Community members are reminded to remain aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement agencies.

This article was reported by Media News Source.