The rapist was caught on camera choking a woman with a belt and dragging her between two cars as police offered the suspect a $3.5k reward

New York City police have released a photo of the creep accused of putting a belt around a woman’s neck, knocking her unconscious before sexually assaulting her.

The horrific attack was captured on surveillance footage and shows the unknown man sneaking up behind the 45-year-old woman in the Melrose neighborhood of the Bronx.

The crime occurred around 3 a.m. on May 1, according to police, when video captured the moment the suspect slowly removed his belt and wrapped it around the woman’s neck like a lasso.

The victim then falls backwards to the ground as the man begins to drag him by his belt.

Police officials said the woman became unconscious when she hit her head on the sidewalk.

The suspect dragged the woman between two parked cars and abused her unconscious, police said.

The man, whose face was covered, fled on foot, police officials said.

He had not been arrested as of Friday.

The New York Police Department is offering a $3,500 reward for information leading to the man’s arrest.

The woman was taken to hospital in stable condition.

The police assume that the man and woman know each other.

Residents in the Melrose area are on high alert after video of the medical attack made its rounds online.

“It’s sad for the women, it’s sad for everyone, but the women are taking the worst part,” Justo Cordero told ABC affiliate KABC-TV.

“At any moment someone can come and hurt you and the police. If they have to be here, that’s not the case,” added concerned local Luz Hernandez.

The suspect was last seen wearing a black GAP sweatshirt, white sweatpants and black, red and white sneakers.

He is described as 1.70 meters tall and with medium skin tone.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.