Horror as Manhattan woman, 23, is raped in her Soho apartment building by monster passing her on the stairs

A man raped a 23-year-old woman in her Soho apartment building and threatened to shoot her before fleeing the scene, police said

A 23-year-old Manhattan woman was brutally assaulted and raped in her own apartment building when a predator accosted her on the stairs, threatening her with violence if she made a sound.

This harrowing incident unfolded early Sunday morning as the suspect encountered the woman on the second floor of the building near Thompson Street and Prince Street in New York City. Building surveillance cameras captured the assailant leaving, clad in a black hoodie with red lettering forming a heart shape, dark pants, and orange sneakers, around 4:10 am.

The video captures the man wearing a black hoodie with red lettering forming a heart shape, dark pants, and orange sneakers as he sneaked into the building around 4.10 am Sunday

The video reveals the suspect initially passing the building entrance but doubling back to enter as someone, possibly the victim, walked inside. Authorities released footage of the suspect on Monday, seeking public assistance in identifying and locating him.

According to police, the 23-year-old victim was ascending the stairs when she crossed paths with the attacker, who was descending from the third floor. He approached from behind, placing her in a chokehold and forcing her into the second-floor hallway. Although the video does not show him brandishing a weapon, sources indicate he menaced the victim with the claim of having a gun before shoving her to the ground and sexually assaulting her.

In the video, the suspect can be seen walking along the sidewalk and passing the building entrance initially. He doubled back and grabbed the door as someone, possibly the victim, was walking inside the residential building

The assault resulted in injuries to the victim's right knee, causing bleeding. She was promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention, leaving local communities rattled by the heinous incident.

Residents expressed shock following the attack.