Man Rapes 88-Year-Old Neighbor, Father Helps Police Catch Him

An 88-year-old woman let a neighbor she had known for years into her home on Wednesday afternoon in East New York, Brooklyn, and it could have cost her her life.

The woman was allegedly raped by 24-year-old Selwyn Worrell, whom, according to Worrell's uncle Gregory Damien-Worrell, she had known for around 20 years. She allowed him into her home, reportedly after he knocked on her door so he could cut through her home to get to another location, according to the New York Post.

But once she let him into her home, he is accused of grabbing her by the neck before dragging her into the basement. He then reportedly tied her hands with an electrical cord so she could not fight back before sexually assaulting her. The victim suffered a contusion to her face and head, reports NBC.

Either during or after the attack, the woman's Life Alert necklace was triggered, causing police to rush to the home. Worrell fled the scene but was arrested five blocks away.

Worrell's father is responsible for his own son's capture after seeing emergency vehicles arrive at the neighbor's home. He reportedly flagged down officers at that point after feeling it may have something to do with Worrell.

Worrell, who just completed parole for a 2015 conviction, is now in police custody and being charged with rape, sexually motivated assault, and burglary. He underwent a mental health evaluation at a local hospital.

"People with mental disorders need help," Damien-Worrell said. "I'm not saying it's right for anything to happen to anybody in any way. He's my nephew. I love my nephew. I beg, I plead. He's my nephew, and I know he needs help."