A Brooklyn man accused of a terrifying attack on a 12-year-old girl tried to hide his face as he was escorted from police custody just one day after the alleged assault.

Eric McMichael, 27, was arrested on Friday for allegedly raping a young girl inside a stairwell at a public housing complex in Williamsburg, as the New York Post reports.

Authorities said the chilling incident unfolded around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, at the Cooper Houses, a public housing building on Morgan Avenue near Jackson Street in Brooklyn. The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was reportedly entering her building when a stranger approached her in the stairwell.

According to police, McMichael confronted the girl without any prior interaction or known connection. Once inside the stairwell, officials allege he grabbed her, forced her to the ground, and ordered her to reposition herself before carrying out a sexual assault. Sources told reporters that McMichael made a deeply disturbing statement to the child, allegedly saying, “I’m going to violate you.”

The attack was interrupted when another person unexpectedly entered the stairwell. The presence of the witness reportedly caused the attacker to flee the scene immediately. The girl was taken to a hospital nearby, where she was treated and listed in stable condition.

Police Release Surveillance Photos

Shortly after the incident, images of the suspect were released by police in hopes of identifying and locating the attacker. The photos, captured from surveillance cameras in or near the building, appeared to lead to quick results. Less than 24 hours later, McMichael was taken into custody by authorities in Brooklyn.

On Friday, he was arrested and transported to the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit precinct in Brooklyn. As he was led out in handcuffs, McMichael wore a gray plaid shirt, gray shorts, and white tights. He desperately shielded his face from news cameras and photographers as officers ushered him away.

McMichael now faces a list of serious charges related to the attack. Police have confirmed that he has been charged with two counts of rape, burglary, two counts of sexual abuse, and endangering the welfare of a child.

Accused Attacker's Troubling History Emerges

The alleged stairwell assault is not the first time McMichael has been linked to violent or invasive crimes. Authorities revealed he has a criminal record featuring multiple prior convictions. Among the charges are rape and burglary from 2019.

More recently, McMichael was arrested and charged with robbery and grand larceny in 2023. Those cases involved property crimes, but law enforcement sources say the prior rape conviction added special urgency to this week’s search for him. The possibility of a repeat sex offender walking free raised alarms throughout the city.

Officials have not yet disclosed how McMichael was apprehended or whether any tips from the public played a role in his capture. As of Saturday morning, no plea has been entered, and it was unclear if he had obtained legal representation.

Assault Renews Public Safety Fears

News of the stairwell attack has caused deep concern among residents of the Cooper Houses and surrounding neighborhoods. Many parents expressed horror at the fact that a child could be assaulted in what should be a safe space -- the stairwell of her own home.

“It’s terrifying,” one resident of the building said. “That poor little girl didn’t even make it to her apartment before her life changed forever.” The resident, who declined to give her name, said she now worries about letting her daughter walk to the lobby without an adult.

Community leaders and advocates are once again calling on city officials and housing authorities to improve security in and around public housing. Some are demanding better lighting, functioning security cameras, and more patrols.

Lessons to Learn

There are important takeaways from this tragic story that may help others stay safe -- though it’s vital to remember that crime can happen under any circumstances and victims are never at fault.

1. Be aware of surroundings, even in familiar places: The victim was in a location she likely traveled through daily. Predators can strike anywhere, even within buildings people call home. Staying alert, particularly in isolated areas, is essential.

2. Don't remain silent if you see something suspicious: In this case, the presence of another person entering the stairwell likely saved the girl from further harm. Being observant and willing to disrupt odd or unsafe situations can be life-saving.

3. Push for community action: Residents should not hesitate to ask for improved building security, such as working cameras and emergency intercoms in stairwells. Working together, communities can create environments that are more difficult for criminals to exploit.

Why This Story Matters

This incident highlights a horrifying truth -- that even children can fall victim to serious, violent crimes in the very places that are supposed to protect them. The story sheds light on the continued need for vigilance and resources dedicated to preventing attacks in public housing facilities.

It also brings to attention the community’s shared responsibility to advocate for safety improvements and to look out for one another. No child should fear walking into their own building—and when something so tragic happens, it demands accountability and change.