Man arrested for attempting to rape woman, 21, in Times Square

A felon from Manhattan was apprehended on Wednesday for assaulting a 21-year-old woman in Times Square. Anthony Smith, 37, was taken into custody in the Lower East Side and charged with attempted rape and strangulation related to the incident that occurred early Sunday morning.

According to investigators, Smith has a history of run-ins with the law, with six prior arrests dating back to a robbery in 2006. He also served time in prison for a robbery conviction in August 2011, and was charged with assault with a weapon and possession of contraband while incarcerated at Rikers Island.

In the recent attack, Smith allegedly approached the victim from behind at the corner of West 47th Street and Eighth Avenue around 3:30 a.m. Police reported that he used his arm to choke the woman unconscious before attempting to sexually assault her.

Surveillance footage released by the authorities shows Smith at the scene of the crime. The victim was left with neck pain from the strangulation but is expected to make a full recovery.

Fortunately, the woman regained consciousness before the assault could escalate further, prompting Smith to flee the scene. The disturbing incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that lurk in public spaces, especially during the early hours of the morning.

Smith’s arrest highlights the importance of vigilance and safety measures, particularly for women walking alone in urban areas. The swift action taken by law enforcement led to the apprehension of a dangerous individual, potentially preventing further harm to the community.