Tourist in NYC Raped after Partying at Lavo Nightclub in Midtown

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An 20-year-old Australian woman visiting NYC was dragged into an alley and raped early Sunday morning after a night of partying.

The victim went to Lavo on East 58th between Park and Madison with two friends- a celeb hotspot that has seen the likes of lady-killers Leonardo DiCaprio and Gerard Butler- and hopped into a cab to head back to where she was staying, on 71st street, at around 3:35 am, according to the New York Post.

According to the Daily News, the woman got out of the cab shortly thereafter because the traffic was so bad. Then, as she was texting her friend, she was quickly snatched from behind and dragged into an alley and assaulted.

She could not remember the exact spot when questioned by police, she admitted to drinking on the night, but police are hoping that surveillance cameras and the cabbie will be able to provide details abou the specific location of the attack. Police released a sketch of the alleged rapist. The suspect is a black man, 6’2, about 190 lbs, and between 35 and 40 years old.

The area is known to be busy on weekend nights, even into the early morning hours, making police confident of finding witnesses. But residents of the area have been shocked by the incident. Talking to CBS New York, resident Joanna Mancuso said:

That’s pretty scary. I feel safe here, but I leave work late sometimes and that really puts my guard up

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Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.