NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) -- Investigators have arrested a suspect on Monday who allegedly attacked an 18-year-old while she was walking into her home in Queens, authorities said.
George Vassiliou, 25, allegedly grabbed the victim from behind as she walked her dog back into her building in Astoria on Jan. 23, authorities said. Vassiliou then dragged the victim and threw her down the stairs before punching her several times in the face, authorities report.
The 9 a.m. attack continued when Vassiliou allegedly pulled out a can of pepper spray from his pocket and sprayed the 18-year-old in the face, authorities said. He then kicked her in the back, leaving her with severe bruising and a dislocated shoulder.
Vassiliou was arrested at the scene thanks to the help of a good samaritan who grabbed the suspect before he tried to run away, authorities said.
Police charged Vassiliou with criminal contempt, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of noxious matter, and harassment, authorities said.
Charline Charles is a digital journalist from Brooklyn who has covered local news along with culture and arts in the New York City area since 2019. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.
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