Investigations opened following two recent attacks and authorities are expecting to release a police sketch of the perpetrator soon based on the victims' description of the assailant.
On Saturday at 4 a.m., a 29-year-old woman who was coming home from work was confronted at gunpoint, outside of her car at 53rd Street and Hudson Avenue just down the block from West New York's Early
Childhood School, which is near a church. The attacker forced her back into the car, said DeFazio. After having driven a short distance, the woman was forced to commit a sex act and was consequently robbed, said DeFazio.
Officials believe the handgun used in all three instances is a silver and black semi-automatic.
Authorities have described the suspect as a young male between 18 and 20 years old, measuring between 5-foot-10-inches and 6-feet tall. He has dark hair and dark eyes and, according to DeFazio, speaks English with no accent as well as Spanish. He is described as having no facial hair.
The attacker also struck earlier that same night at 3 a.m., when he confronted a 53-year-old woman near the entrance of her building at 52nd Street and Hudson Avenue. The suspect threatened her at gunpoint where he attempted a similar crime, according to DeFazio, but fortunately the woman was able to escape by slamming and locking her building's front door.
Authorities believe the attacker is the same one who struck at a Palisade Avenue business on March 5.
According to DeFazio, at around 7 a.m., the attacker attempted to rape a 26-year-old woman before robbing her and threatening to kill her if she called police.
All three attacks have occurred within a 1,500-foot radius of 53rd Street and Hudson Avenue, the site of the most recent attack.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Hudson County Special Victim's Unit at (201) 915-1234 or the West New York Police Department at (201) 295-5000.
Keeping safe
Safetyforwomen.com, a Web site dedicated to empowering women with tools for protection, has a few tips on how women can protect themselves from an attack.
Noting that danger areas include stepping in and out of a motor vehicle, the site suggests that one approach their vehicles with keys ready. People are also encouraged to keep their windows up and doors locked at all times.
One should also try to park in crowded, well-lit areas. Also, one should be alert, especially at night. If some do not feel secure or comfortable walking alone, they are encouraged to ask someone for an escort to their car; it is easy for attackers to hide between and behind cars.
Nicolas Millan can be reached at NMillan@hudsonreporter.com.
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