Flushing Residents On Edge With Predator On The Loose
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A Queens neighborhood is on edge as police search for a man who is terrorizing women.
Police are seeking the predator that has been terrorizing the women of Queens over the past six months. The suspect is believed to be responsible for three attacks, all out in the open, on the streets of Flushing.
Each attack occurred at night – between the hours of 7 p.m. and 4 a.m. – on poorly lit streets, reports CBS 2's Dave Carlin.
The most recent attack was on February 27. Police said around 3:45 a.m., the suspect approached a 25-year-old woman near 37-04 Bowne Street, sexually assaulted her, and fled the scene. The victim was treated for minor injuries.
Police said two other assaults took place last year. On Sept. 22, 2010 the suspect allegedly approached a 37-year-old woman around 10:10 p.m. near 34 Avenue, pushing her to the ground and, again, sexually assaulted his victim before fleeing the scene.
That victim had lacerations and bruises to her legs.
The last attack, police said, took place on Dec. 12, 2010 around 7:30 p.m. near Sanford Avenue and 147 Street. In this encounter, the suspect allegedly dragged a 27-year-old woman to a secluded area, struck her in the face and slammed her against a wall.
Before fleeing, police said, the suspect not only sexually assaulted his victim, but stole her cell phone and wallet.
Residents said they are worried that a dangerous attacker is walking among them, waiting to strike again.
"I hope they catch him right away, because we can't deal with these kinds of people here in the street," Anna Mendez said.
"Everybody hopes they get caught, because you don't want that to happen to you," Jasmine Rivera said.
"We have to be careful and have to open our eyes and catch this guy," said Wilfreda Brown.
Authorities described the suspect as a Hispanic man in his 20s, approximately 5'5" tall and weighing 130 pounds. He was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and dark sneakers.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
