Police Search For Attempted Rape Suspect In Queens
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The search is on for the suspect behind an attempted rape in Queens.
The attack happened shortly after 10 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 near 131st Street and Rockaway Boulevard in South Ozone Park.
Police said a man came up behind a 25-year-old woman as she walked down the street. He allegedly shoved her against a car, threw her to the ground and tried to sexually assault her. The victim fought back and the man took off.
Police released surveillance video of a person wanted for questioning. He's seen running to a white SUV and then driving away.
The man had on a dark hooded shirt, track pants with a white stripe and black sneakers with white trim.
Many residents told CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas they were stunned to learn what happened in their usually quiet neighborhood.
"It kind of does surprise me, because this area has been pretty quiet since I've been over here," Malik Williams said.
"We're supposed to be freely walking to where we have to go, not scared of anybody," said Shoba Mohamed.
"A couple years ago here used to be really bad, but it's getting better," Winston Boodoo added.
Christine Williamson vowed to be on guard as police continue to search for the suspect.
"I come here sometimes at 11-o-clock and I'm fine. So that's crazy," she said. "I won't be coming here by myself anymore, not at 10, 12-o-clock at night anymore."
Anyone with information is asked to call NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or 1-888-57-PISTA (74782) for Spanish. You can also submit a tip via the Crime Stoppers website, by Tweeting @NYPDTips or by texting a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577.
