Rockland County, NY – Quick thinking Monsey Chaverim members are being credited as heroes in an Erev Shabbos attack on a 78 year old Jewish woman.

Captain Brad Wiedel of the Ramapo Police Department said that the incident unfolded at approximately 1:40 PM on Friday afternoon at a Ronald Drive residence.

30 year old Hayler Ruiz-Alejo reportedly entered the backyard of the home, grabbing the elderly woman around her head and neck and dragging her towards the corner of the property.

The victim’s screams brought a pair of Chaverim members to the scene where they managed to free the woman.  The suspect attempted to flee the scene on foot and was held by the community patrol members until police arrived.

Police recovered a box cutter at the scene, according to News 12.  The victim’s husband said that she sustained several bruises but was not cut in the attack and is recovering at home.

Ruiz-Alejo was taken into custody and said in a videotaped confession that he had intended to rob his victim.

Ruiz-Alejo, who was seen cruising the area in a red Toyota prior to the attack, was charged with attempted robbery in the second degree, assault in the second degree, criminal trespass and driving while intoxicated.  Police said that further charges are still pending in the attack.

As reported by Vos Iz Neias