Staten Island – A 37‑year‑old woman delivering a package of hair products to her apartment was violently attacked on Wednesday evening. At approximately 6 p.m., she was struck in the face with a firearm and sexually assaulted at the intersection of Dongan Hills Avenue and Jefferson Street.
The victim was taken to a local hospital and is listed in stable condition. Police have not yet identified a suspect, and no arrests have been made.
Witness accounts and community reaction
Resident Niesha Sosa, who lives in the Berry Houses, described hearing a thump in the hallway as the woman was heading down the elevator. “Next thing you know I heard a thump as I was going down on the elevator, I heard a thump, in the hallway,” Sosa said. She added that if the elevator had been slower, she might have taken the stairs and could have been the victim herself.
Sosa and other residents expressed deep concern for delivery workers who must enter NYCHA apartments. “If she would have got on that elevator and I would have waited and it took too long, I would have went down the stairs,” Sosa said. “That could have happened to me.”
Safety concerns at NYCHA properties
Delivery‑worker safety has been a recurring issue at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) sites on Staten Island. In the past, UPS altered its delivery policy to keep drivers in their trucks rather than entering apartment complexes, citing safety risks.
Residents of the Berry Houses have long requested security cameras in the building. Their pleas appear to be gaining traction. About three weeks ago, officials announced that $1 million in federal funding would be allocated for security upgrades at the complex, including cameras in the lobby, exterior areas, and elevators.
What comes next?
Police continue to investigate the assault and are asking anyone with information to come forward. The NYCHA administration has pledged to expedite the installation of the new security equipment, hoping the cameras will deter future attacks and aid in identifying suspects.
Community leaders are urging city officials to consider broader safety measures for delivery workers across all NYCHA properties, emphasizing the need for a coordinated response that protects both residents and essential service providers.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
