A Brooklyn woman says her Fourth of July weekend turned into a nightmare after she was raped on the beach at Coney Island — and now the NYPD has confirmed it’s actively investigating the disturbing allegation.
Melasia Harris, 25, told CBS New York that the alleged assault happened in the early hours of Saturday, July 5, as Independence Day celebrations wound down. She said she had joined a group of around 15 people she had just met at the beach when one of the men attacked her.
“He saw that I was on the floor and that’s when he put his face between my legs, and I started screaming,” Harris told the station. “Everyone started laughing and recording me. Nobody helped. Nobody stopped.”
Harris said the man — who she described as having a scar on his lip and carrying a book bag — later followed her to another area of the beach and raped her. “I was just really scared,” she said. “I was screaming for help.”
The NYPD confirmed to PEOPLE that they received a report of a rape at around 3 a.m. on July 5, near Boardwalk West and Stillwell Avenue. According to a police statement, Harris was alone when she met the group. One of the men from the group allegedly sexually assaulted her.
No arrests have been made as of Thursday, July 10, and the case remains under active investigation.
Speaking with News 12 Brooklyn, Harris said, “I don’t feel good. How does anybody feel good knowing there is a person like this walking around?”
The horrifying incident has sparked outrage and renewed concern over beach safety, public accountability, and bystander apathy — especially after Harris said people laughed and filmed during the alleged assault instead of intervening.
She should not have been on the beach alone at that time; however it does not excuse the behavior of the men.
Nothing good is going on after 10pm. Ladies should not drink and then wander around in the wee, dark hours. I wouldn’t trust strangers in NY area to help me if I were having trouble!
With all that is happening have women gone stupid that they have no common sense .Joining a group of people you do not know us stupid