Introduction to the Case
A Manhattan grand jury has indicted a 37-year-old man accused of choking a woman until she lost consciousness and sexually assaulting her on a Midtown sidewalk last month, District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced Wednesday.
Police released this image during a manhunt for Anthony Smith, who was later arrested and indicted on charges including attempted rape, sexual abuse and strangulation in connection with an Aug. 10 attack in Hell’s Kitchen
Photo by NYPD/Crimestoppers
The Indictment
Anthony Smith, of NYC, is accused of attempting to forcibly rape a 21-year-old woman on Aug. 10 in Hell’s Kitchen, according to the indictment filed in New York State Supreme Court.
The grand jury charged him with two counts of attempted rape in the first degree, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and two counts of strangulation.
Details of the Attack
According to prosecutors, Smith spent about an hour in Midtown West in the early morning of Aug. 10 following women and putting his hand down his pants.
At about 3:30 a.m., Smith allegedly approached a woman from behind as she walked along West 47th Street near Eighth Avenue, placed her in a chokehold, and applied pressure until she passed out.
Prosecutors said Smith sexually assaulted the woman until she began to regain consciousness, then fled.
Response from Authorities
“As alleged, Anthony Smith brutally choked a woman until she lost consciousness before sexually assaulting her,” Bragg said in a statement. “My Special Victims Division takes these crimes extremely seriously and will doggedly pursue justice in this case while centering the survivor’s needs.”
Smith was arrested Aug. 13 in his apartment following an investigation by Special Victims detectives, according to the DA. Attorneys representing Smith from the NY County Defender Services declined to comment on the indictment.
Conclusion
The indictment of Anthony Smith marks a significant step towards justice for the survivor of the brutal attack in Midtown. The case highlights the importance of taking such crimes seriously and pursuing thorough investigations to ensure that perpetrators are held accountable. The community can take comfort in knowing that law enforcement and the judicial system are working together to keep streets safe and support survivors of violent crimes.
FAQs
- Q: What are the charges against Anthony Smith?
A: Anthony Smith has been charged with two counts of attempted rape in the first degree, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, and two counts of strangulation. - Q: Where did the attack occur?
A: The attack occurred on West 47th Street near Eighth Avenue in Hell’s Kitchen, Midtown. - Q: What is the status of the case?
A: The case is ongoing, with Anthony Smith indicted by a Manhattan grand jury. - Q: How was Anthony Smith apprehended?
A: Anthony Smith was arrested in his apartment on Aug. 13 following an investigation by Special Victims detectives.
