MIDTOWN — An 18-year-old woman was raped by a homeless man atop a Garment District building early Wednesday, police said.
The woman told investigators she was on the roof of the building near West 39th Street and Eighth Avenue when the suspect, Thomas Powell, 34, came up from behind, pushed her and forced her to have sex with him just after midnight, according to the police.
Powell, who was just arrested two days ago for K2 possession, was nabbed after the victim flagged down a passing NYPD patrol car. She pointed Powell out to officers from the Midtown South Precinct, who took him in to custody, the NYPD said.
Powell was charged with rape, attempted assault and burglary, according to police.
The victim was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital for treatment.
Powell has 17 prior arrests dating back to 2000, mostly for drug offenses.
He was awaiting arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court Wednesday.
