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Police Release Sketch Of Suspect Wanted For Three Sex Attacks Near Flushing Park
By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 29, 2016
Modified Jun 29, 2016
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jun 29, 2016
Modified Jun 29, 2016
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Earlier this month, three women were attacked in separate incidents in or near Kissena Park in Flushing. Now police have a sketch of the suspect and hope the public can help them identify him.
On June 10, at 6:30 p.m., a 50-year-old woman was biking by Kissena Park on Oak Avenue when, police say, "a male grabbed her and pulled her towards the park. The male attempted to talk to the victim as he touched himself over his clothing." The victim was able to break free and flee.
At 10:15 a.m. on June 12, at the intersection of Colden Street and Mulberry Avenue, a 24-year-old woman was "approached by a male who engaged her in conversation"—apparently asking her for a hug. Police say "the male hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and grabbed her buttocks. The male then touched himself over his clothing." The victim was able to flee.
The last incident was on June 15, at 6:30 p.m., near 56 Avenue and 148 Street, when authorities say a 41-year-old woman was "approached by a male who grabbed both her arms and tried to pull her into a backyard. The victim screamed and the male fled in a red vehicle."
Queens Special Victims Squad Sgt. Douglas Biscardi told the Daily News, "These have happened very quickly. There's definitely some escalation with him. In the first two, he tries to grab them — and in the last he tries to pull her into the yard."
Police describe the suspect as around 40 years old, 200 pounds and 6', with a slim and muscular build and black hair with some grey. He also a tattoo of a red and green star on the back of his arm above the elbow.
Anyone with information in regards to these incidents is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
One resident told PIX11, "I feel very safe here. I grew up in the neighborhood. I would never think that thing anything like that would happen here," but now she's worried about bringing her kids to the park.
Tagged
attempted rape
groping
kissena park
nypd
queens
sex crime
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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