Police arrested a man suspected in the rape of a 12-year-old girl inside a Brooklyn apartment building, an attack that shook the community.
The young girl had just walked back into her NYCHA building at the Cooper Park Houses in East Williamsburg around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, police said, when a complete stranger attacked. The man allegedly grabbed the girl, shoved her to the ground and sexually assaulted her before running off.
Investigators left evidence markers inside the lobby of the building for hours later in the night, collecting any evidence left behind. Police later released a picture of the suspect (below) wearing a gray sweatshirt and black sweatpants with a dark-colored backpack.
Neighbors said they didn’t recognize the man, but were horrified the girl was attacked inside the place she calls home.
A day later, just after 3:30 p.m. Friday, police received a tip and arrested Eric McMichael in connection with the disturbing attack on the girl. The 27-year-old was charged with two counts of rape and sexual abuse, along with burglary and child endangerment.
McMichael has four prior convictions, according to police, including a rape in 2019. He was also convicted of burglary that same year, plus grand larceny and robbery in 2023.
Attorney information for McMichael was not immediately clear.
