Jamaica, Queens – A 21-year-old woman narrowly escaped a horrifying encounter at a subway station in February when a 19-year-old man attempted to rape her. The suspect, Donovan Simmon, was apprehended on Tuesday and charged with attempted rape, unlawful imprisonment, assault, and lewdness in connection to the incident at the 169th Street station in Jamaica.
The victim, identified as Jamileth, shared her harrowing experience with ABC 7 Eyewitness News. She recounted how she encountered the man while taking an F train home after finishing her night shift cleaning offices. Jamileth described how the man followed her, blocked the doors, and performed a lewd act before ultimately attacking her.
Despite the assailant’s violent attempts, Jamileth managed to scream for help, alerting a security guard who intervened and scared the attacker away. Following the incident, Jamileth expressed her newfound fear and anxiety, stating that she constantly feels as though someone is following her.
Simmon, the suspect, had a history of previous arrests for robbery, public lewdness, and fare evasion, according to police records. The victim, who migrated to the US from Ecuador just three months prior, was treated at a hospital for her injuries and has since switched to working a day shift for safety reasons.
In response to the attempted rape, authorities urged anyone who has been sexually assaulted to seek help by calling the free and confidential crisis counseling hotline in New York. This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the dangers that women can face in public spaces, highlighting the importance of vigilance and swift response to such threats.