NYC Crime: Brooklyn neighborhood in turmoil as police search for man who followed woman into building and choked her

PROSPECT LEFFERTS GARDENS, Brooklyn (WABC) – A harrowing video shows a man following a woman into her building near Prospect Park and then choking her from behind.

The victim screamed for help and told the attacker to stop as she fought back. Luckily, that was enough for him to run away. However, the community is in an uproar as police continue to search for her attacker.

The 25-year-old walked up a few steps into the lobby to the mailboxes when the suspect pressed the elevator button and waited – unaware, while surveillance cameras tracked his every move.

The suspect then targeted the victim, walked up the same steps and put his arm around her neck. The victim managed to kick the man as the struggle continued for several seconds.

“It's crazy because in the picture I saw, he was literally about five feet behind her,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.

It happened around 11 p.m. on Thursday night in a building near the intersection of Ocean and Parkside Avenue in Brooklyn.

The victim told police that when the suspect put his arm around her neck, she called for help and told him to stop – to which he replied, “Shut up.” He then simply let her go and walked away as if nothing had happened.

The victim called 911 to make sure the attacker did not return. She was not physically injured.

“A lot of strange things have happened in this building. Someone followed me in once,” said Carlos Vasquez.

Vasquez said he got a door camera because he didn't feel safe.

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