Police Release New Sketch In String Of Brooklyn Sex Attacks
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Late Tuesday night, the NYPD released a new sketch in the sex attack pattern that has left many women in Brooklyn neighborhoods frightened for their safety.
Police said the sketch was produced using information from the victim of the latest attack, which took place Sunday night around midnight in Windsor Terrace. The victim was followed while she walked home from the subway.
"She was attacked by a man who pulled her down by her chest. She screamed," the victim's sister told CBS 2's Sean Hennessey on Monday night.
The NYPD also said Tuesday they do not believe a separate sexual assault on Monday night in Brooklyn was linked to the pattern. They say the suspect in this latest attack is much older than the other suspects and do not believe they are related.
1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reports detectives are tracking down prior sex offenders
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The string of crimes has many women in the affected neighborhoods worried.
"I've seen a lot of people lately. You know, it's good, it's better, it's kind of scary," Genesis Martinez told CBS 2's Pablo Guzman.
WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs With One Fearful Brooklyn Woman
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"I'm changing my pattern of behavior and I'm walking with something in my hand that if anybody grabs at me, I've got a swinging chance to protect myself," said another woman.
Other women who frequent these areas are understandably skittish and the concern is growing.
"This is getting ridiculous. I mean all these attacks, I think maybe police need to re-evaluate what they're doing," said Kensington resident Laura Tendler. "I'm sure they're trying, but this is not a good situation."
Victims have provided four sketches to police and at least one assault has been caught on camera, but a good description of the attacker and tangible physical evidence has proven elusive.
"If they're concerned, we're concerned," said NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. "I can assure you."
Kelly admits investigators have little forensic evidence. Police say detectives were able to lift fingerprints from a car near the scene of the 12th attack in Windsor Terrace.
1010 WINS' John Montone reports: Women In Brooklyn Neighborhoods On Edge
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Kelly said officers are canvassing the neighborhood, police presence has been increased in the area and officials are questioning prior sex offenders.
In response to the number of sexual assaults in Brooklyn, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has released a guide on how to prevent and disrupt sexual assaults.
To see the full guide, click here.
De Blasio teamed up with several organizations to create the guide and in a statement, says it "details important safety precautions and available resources..."
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