By Tom Liddy
DNAinfo News Editor
MANHATTAN - A brutal mugger is targeting young women in Washington Heights, including one who bravely fought him off in a broad daylight assault, police said.
The attacks come on the heels of a string of sexual recent sexual assaults that have the neighborhood and nearby Inwood on edge.
The attacker first struck on June 4, grabbing the 26-year-old victim as she entered a building around 2 a.m.
He then pushed her into a wall and demanded her cell phone, according to cops. The victim, who suffered a cut to her eye, complied and the thief fled.
Then on June 9, he allegedly set on a woman at another building, pushing her into a wall inside the elevator, demanding her cell phone and then punching her.
But the 29-year-old victim turned the tables on the brute, forcing him to flee empty-handed.
The victim suffered bruising, but refused medical attention.
The suspect is described as 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-10, 200-220 pounds, partially bald with a slight beard, police said.
The locations of the buildings were not disclosed.
Anyone with tips can call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS, log onto the website or text tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
