ELMONT, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — A Hofstra University student spoke out on Thursday as Nassau County police increased the reward offer to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest in a vicious acid attack that left the 21-year-old severely injured.
The assault happened around 8:15 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17 on Arlington Avenue in Elmont.
Authorities say 21-year-old Nafiah Ikram was walking in 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 her 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.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Ikram, and has raised over $350,000 for her medical treatments. WARNING: The page contains graphic imagery of Ikram’s injuries.
According to the organizer of the fundraiser, the liquid burned Ikram'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.”
On Thursday, Ikram spoke with WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall saying she had no idea how to react when the attack first happened.
“At first, I thought it was like just a prank. It felt like warm juice and then I just kind of screamed, gasped and that's I guess when the acid got into my throat. A few seconds later my face started burning,” she said.
The pre-med student says the acid caused extreme damage, leaving her permanently disfigured.
“I had second and third degree burns to my face and to my cornea. The face is healing, I'm just a lot more concerned about the eye, like I keep saying, because I see progression in healing in the face and I'm not seeing it in the eye,” she said.
Ikram says her life has been forever changed by the attack, and there are many things she is struggling to relearn as she heals.
“We're not grateful for the things that we have until it's gone and being that I was in the hospital for two weeks, I didn't realize I couldn't do things like swallow food up until now. Even like opening my mouth all the way to brush my teeth, I still can't do that because of the swelling,” Ikram said.
She showed Hall the red burn marks on her arms and behind a face shield, her face was still red and raw as it heals from the attack.
The 21-year-old says she’s confused as to why she was targeted as she says she has no enemies and has never had a serious relationship that would cause a former partner to want to harm her.
“I was just living my life. I was minding my business. What could provoke someone to do this to me? What could have gotten them so angry? I don't know but, this is just inhumane,” Ikram said. “I just want to know why they would do something like this.”
She says she is now terrified to drive her car again, as it reminds her of the attack.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran on Thursday addressed the attack, noting that detectives are diligently working on the case.
"What happened to Nafiah is unacceptable, and we are committed to getting to the bottom of it," she said. "I encourage anyone with information to reach out to the police."
Police say 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.
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