Intruder knocks out woman in Hicksville

A 30-year-old woman, awakened by a strange noise, was punched in the face and knocked unconscious by an intruder in her Hicksville apartment late Tuesday night, Nassau County police said.

The victim, whose identity was not released, was taken to a hospital for evaluation and treatment of facial injuries, police said.

Detectives are searching for the assailant, who police said was about 5-foot-6 and 135 to 140 pounds and wore panty hose stretched over his head.

He was wearing dark shorts and a dark T-shirt, police said.

Police said the incident occurred at about 11 p.m. on Heitz Place. Police said the woman was awakened by a noise, exited her bedroom, turned on the kitchen light -- and saw the man in her living room, walking toward the front door. The intruder then punched the woman in the face, police said, knocking her to the floor. Once on the floor, police said the intruder kneeled on the woman's chest and punched her again, knocking her unconscious for about 30 minutes.

The woman called 911 when she regained consciousness, police said.

Police said nothing was taken in the burglary and had no motive for the attack.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to call Crime Stoppers at 800-244-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.