Police Seek Suspect In 3 Brooklyn Sex Assaults
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is looking for a suspect wanted in connection with three sexual assaults in the same neighborhood in Brooklyn.
The police want the public's assistance in locating a black man in his late 20s, between 5-foot-9 and 5-11, with a medium build and short black hair.
"A rapist? Oh my God, that's crazy," East Flatbush resident Sarah Hines told CBS 2's Derricke Dennis.
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Police said the latest incident occurred on Dec. 10 in East Flatbush, when the suspect was reportedly waiting in the lobby of the victim's apartment building. He followed her into the elevator and up to her door before pushing his way into her apartment, where he beat and raped the victim, police said. He fled through a bedroom window and down the fire escape.
In a similar instance in May, the suspect allegedly forced his way into his victim's apartment after following her home. He choked and raped the victim, then stole her cell phone, passport and money before fleeing, police said.
The suspect is also believed to be behind a sexual assault in the same area in April 2008. He allegedly followed his victim to her apartment door and pushed his way in before choking and forcibly groping her.
"It's very bad when you walk around, knowing you can get raped by somebody," resident Linda Dumay said. "It's very hard to walk around."
All three attacks occurred near the intersection of Flatbush and Bedford Avenues in East Flatbush.
Some residents said they are now leery of sharing an elevator, and are planning to take extra safety precautions.
"I'll walk with somebody or be on the phone with somebody," one resident said.
Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Web site or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
