Teen Identified As Suspect In Rape Of 82-Year-Old Brighton Woman

Cops have identified the suspect they say raped an 82-year-old woman in Brighton Beach on Monday morning as 18-year-old Asa Robert.

Forensic evidence collected from a folding knife left at the crime scene connected Robert to the crime, investigators told news outlets.

Robert snuck into his victim’s house at 1:40am on Monday while she was outside sweeping the street, and when she returned, he attacked her at knifepoint in her bedroom demanding cash, police said. After holding her hostage for several hours, cops say Robert tied up his victim and raped her. The teen then fled the home with a bag of clothing and an umbrella.

The heinousness of the crime prompted NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton to weigh in.

“What that woman suffered and endured, nobody should have to suffer or endure anytime or anywhere in this city. It’s a very violent, vicious depraved individual that we are seeking and we need to get him off the streets very, very quickly,” Bratton said.

Authorities told the New York Daily News that the victim tried to sooth her attacker during the harrowing ordeal by asking about his mother, offering to make him food, and suggesting he take some of her late husband’s clothing:

Cops suggested the woman’s attempt to establish a verbal bond with her assailant likely spared her from a more serious assault or death.

“This lady is a very courageous person,” said NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce. “She speaks with (the rapist) and kind of gets a rapport going. She really saved herself more damage by her wits.”

At the suggestion of a relative, the octogenarian eventually called the police at 7am and was taken to Kings County Hospital for evaluation.

Robert, who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 160 pounds, has several arrests on his record, including one for robbery in 2014, according to police. There is a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577. Police say all calls are kept confidential.

Correction [July 15, 12pm]: A previous version of this article stated the crime occurred in Coney Island. Police have confirmed that the victim’s home is in Brighton Beach. The article has been updated accordingly.