Police on Long Island apprehended a man who allegedly broke into the house of a 74-year-old woman and sexually assaulted her.
Jawarren Booker, 29, is now facing rape and burglary charges in connection with the assault in Suffolk County.
The attack took place on Friday, October 24, specifically between 6:15 and 7:15 a.m. It’s a crime that has shaken a normally peaceful apartment community in Holbrook.
“Oh, I’m sick to my stomach; it’s disgusting,” one woman told Eyewitness News.
An arrest provides only some solace following the purported crime. According to police, Booker broke into an apartment through a window, pinned down the 74-year-old woman inside, and raped her.
After fleeing, the victim called 911 and was transported to a nearby hospital.
According to authorities, the 29-year-old suspect, originally from Ridge, was living with someone he knew in Holbrook and sleeping on an inflatable mattress in the same apartment complex as his victim.
Suffolk County Executive Edward Romaine stated, “This is an unspeakable crime, and this gentleman, Mr. Booker, is a poor excuse for a human being.”
Investigators said they apprehended Booker on Tuesday morning in the Bronx using DNA and surveillance video, as well as four days of detective work. Authorities claim the victim’s strength contributed to Booker’s arrest.
“The marshals, D.A.’s office, our people, and the NYPD were all involved in the apprehension of this individual,” stated Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
Booker’s arraignment took place on Wednesday in Central Islip. According to police, the suspect has a previous criminal record.
Tensions in the neighborhood are still high, according to locals, even after the offender was arrested.
“It’s horrible. To know right next door, you know, I was dead sleeping. And she’s getting raped at the same time, it’s just ridiculous,” a neighbor said.
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