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Neighbors On Alert After Reports Of Serial Groper In Elmhurst, Queens

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police in Elmhurst, Queens were in need of help Wednesday in identifying a serial groper who was caught on camera going up to women on the street and grabbing them.

The incidents happened at the following times and locations:

• Around 7:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 11, at Haspel Street and 55th Avenue. The victim was a 21-year-old woman.

• Around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, in front of 44-20 Ketcham St. The victim was a 28-year-old woman.

• Around 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, in front of 52-12 Van Horn St. The victim was a 17-year-old girl.

As CBS 2's Alice Gainer reported, surveillance video shows the man grabbing the girl's breasts in the third incident and running off. He similarly groped the other two women, police said.

"It's horrible," an area resident said. "Nothing like that ever happens in this neighborhood."

Following the incidents, local women have been left on high alert.

"You've just got to watch where you're going in any neighborhood," said neighbor Lauren Rivera.

"I'll probably bring my pepper spray more," said neighbor Lyly Lui.

The suspect was described as a Hispanic male between the ages of 25 and 35, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds.

Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS, log onto the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.

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