New York, Queens – A mother bravely recounted the harrowing experience of saving her daughter from an attacker right outside their apartment in Queens.
The incident took place as the teenager returned home from walking the dogs, only to be surprised by an assailant hiding in the stairwell. Security camera footage captured the moment when the man jumped out and grabbed the terrified teen.
Adriana Alvarez, the mother, described hearing her daughter’s panicked screams and rushing to her aid. In a desperate struggle, she fought off the attacker as he attempted to drag her daughter down several flights of stairs.
The attack occurred on January 23 at their Astoria apartment on 25th Avenue. With the quick thinking and bravery of a neighbor, Gus Bougas, the suspect was apprehended across the street as he tried to flee the scene.
Alvarez detailed the injuries she sustained during the altercation, including an orbital eye fracture, dislocated shoulder, and elbow. Despite the physical toll, she expressed immense gratitude for her neighbor’s heroism in coming to their rescue.
The suspect, identified as 25-year-old George Vassiliou of Queens, was taken into custody and charged. Alvarez revealed that her daughter had previously worked with the attacker at a local grocery store, leading to escalating instances of him following and stalking her.
The entire ordeal left both the mother and daughter shaken but thankful for the swift intervention that prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Alvarez emphasized the importance of community support and vigilance in staying safe.