Police Hunt Jackson Heights Serial Groping Suspect
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is asking for the public's help to find a man suspected of assaulting women in Queens.
Police said the suspect, who allegedly groped four women in Jackson Heights, was caught on surveillance video. It's the latest in a series of groping incidents in the borough -- a man was busted last summer and then another was sought in the fall.
1010 WINS' Mona Rivera reports
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"I don't want nothing bad to happen to other innocent ladies, and there are younger women out here," Jackson Heights resident Vanessa Javier told CBS 2's Tony Aiello.
"I come home from work late at night and I have two daughters. So of course that concerns me," Jennifer Williams added.
Police said the groper first struck on March 22 at 10:35 p.m, allegedly assaulting a 22-year-old woman. The next incident took place at 6 a.m. on March 26 when a 47-year-old was attacked. The third incident involving a 19-year-old took place at 4:20 a.m. on April 1.
In the most recent incident, which took place around 5:15 p.m. Monday, a 41-year-old woman was groped. The suspect is described by police as a Hispanic male 5-foot-5 to 5-8.
"If this has happened to you, I believe that there are maybe women out there who haven't reported it. They should immediately come to the precinct or they can come to my office if they want to find a safe haven," Queens Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras said.
Ferreras said women should walk with a friend if possible and use common sense caution when walking alone.
"We have our music on and listening to all types of other things and not being aware of our surroundings as women -- we need to pay more attention," she said.
The councilwoman said that it is a relief that none of the women were physically injured. The 115th Precinct has seen a spike in misdemeanor sex assaults.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers. All calls are kept anonymous. You can reach them by calling 1-800-577-8477 (TIPS). You can also submit a tip via their website. You can also text your tip to 274367 (CRIMES) and then enter TIP577.
Is enough being done to keep women safe on the streets of New York City? Sound off in our comments section below.
