WARNING: Photos below are graphic.
ELMONT, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Nassau County police are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in a vicious attack on a South Asian woman last month.
The assault happened around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17 on Arlington Avenue in Elmont.
Authorities said a 21-year-old woman was walking on the driveway of her home when she was suddenly approached by an unknown man carrying a white-colored cup containing a dark-colored substance.
The suspect then threw the contents of the cup in the victim’s face and fled eastbound on Arlington Avenue.
Police do not know what the substance was, but the liquid caused severe burns to her face, eyes, chest and arms.
The attack was caught on surveillance footage outside of the home (above).
A GoFundMe page has been set up for the victim, identified as 21-year-old Hofstra University student Nafiah Fatima, and has raised over $313,000 for her medical treatments.
According to the organizer of the fundraiser, the liquid burned Fatima's contact lens to her right eye when it was splashed in her face. The organizer also notes that the liquid, which they believe was acid, could have killed her.
“Had the acid gotten into Nafiah's lungs she would have died. When Nafiah screamed it caused the acid to go into her mouth, burning her tongue and throat, which prevented her from breathing,” the organizer explained.
“When Nafiah ran into her house and her parents saw her, they immediately tried to help her, but in the process, the acid burned their hands and forearms as well.”
Police said the suspect is 6’2” tall with a “skinny build.” He was last seen wearing a black colored hooded sweatshirt and was wearing gloves.
Detectives request anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or to call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.