A 19-year-old Verizon store worker in East Harlem was thrown to the ground, threatened with a knife, and almost raped before being robbed by a stranger in a terrifying attack. The victim, who had recently moved to the US from Bangladesh, had only been working at the store for a week when the incident occurred. The man first appeared to be a regular customer but quickly turned violent towards the young worker, pinning her down in the back room of the store.
The victim’s coworker described how the attacker followed the worker to the back of the store and pinned her down after looking at an iPhone 11 display. Despite trying to defend herself by throwing hot tea at the man, he managed to grab her arm and avoid the attack. The assailant then stole three cell phones and $1,000 before fleeing the scene. The victim was left traumatized and has not yet returned to work since the attack.
CCTV footage released by the NYPD shows the suspect walking on the sidewalk in all black clothing with his hood pulled up. He is believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, around 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, with a dark complexion, slim build, short black hair, and a short black beard. As of Monday, the suspect had not been caught by police. The attack on the young Verizon worker is just one in a recent string of violent crimes, including a similar incident in which a woman was dragged to the ground and raped in the Bronx.
The incident has left the victim, who had moved to the US to pursue the American Dream, shaken and afraid to return to work. Her coworker expressed concern for her well-being, stating that she had never experienced any sort of assault, even in her home country of Bangladesh. The attack is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by workers in customer service roles, particularly those who are new to the country and vulnerable to violent attacks. The NYPD is actively investigating the case and searching for the suspect.
It is essential for businesses to provide a safe working environment for their employees, especially in light of such terrifying incidents. The attacker’s brazen assault on the young worker highlights the need for increased security measures in retail establishments and other customer service settings. The community and law enforcement must work together to ensure that perpetrators of such violent crimes are brought to justice and that victims receive the support and protection they need. The incident serves as a wake-up call for both individuals and businesses to prioritize safety and security in their daily lives and operations.
