WOODHAVEN, N.Y. (WPIX) - New York City police are on the hunt for a man who brutally raped and mugged a woman at knifepoint early Thursday morning.

According to police, the attacker approached the 29-year-old victim from behind as she walked near the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Park Lane South, around 3 a.m.

The suspect then put a knife to the victim's neck and dragged her to nearby woods, where he sexually assaulted her, police said.

Before he proceeded to rape her, the victim told police the suspect apologized by saying "I'm sorry."

After the attack, the man snatched the woman's purse and made off with her bank card.

The victim, who reportedly works as a student teacher in Cambria Heights, called 911 and was treated at an area hospital.

The suspect is identified as a black man, 6-foot-4, with a goatee and braided hair. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.