Captain Donald Powers (NYPD)
Nov. 4, 2011 Staff Report
Police have yet to apprehend the so-called Sunnyside/Woodside groper, citing a lack of video evidence, photos and the difficulty that the victims have had in identifying the perpetrator.
In recent months, a man on a black mountain bicycle has approached several local women riding up behind them and grabbing their buttocks or breasts–before fleeing.
However, the incidents have each occurred so quickly that the women have had trouble in properly identifying the man. Furthermore, the only video released of the suspect is not clear.
Five women and a 12-year-old girl have been attacked by the perpetrator, believed to be a 30-40 year-old Hispanic.
Three of the attacks have been in Sunnyside and three in Woodside.
- Thursday, September 15, 2011, 0830 hours, 39-36 55 Street. Victim: F/H/17.
- Thursday, September 22, 2011, 1900 hours, Skillman Ave. and 46 Street. Victim: F/W/38.
- Tuesday, September 27, 2011, 0745 hours, 43 Avenue and 42 Street. Victim: F/W/12.
- Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 0800 hours, 39-36 55 Street. Victim: F/A/29.
- Thursday, October 6, 2011, 0809 hours, 38 Avenue and 56 Street. Victim: F/H/29.
- Friday, October 7, 2011, 0800 hours, 39 Avenue and 46 Street. Victim: F/W/24.
Police reported last night that there have been no new incidents since Oct. 7.
Captain Donald Powers of police precinct 108, which covers the neighborhoods of Sunnyside/Woodside, said that he has assigned a number of officers to find the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer has invited the public to attend a self-defense training course on Sunday in Woodside. “There have been a number of sexual assaults over the past several months in Sunnyside and Woodside. Come join us and learn techniques to defend yourself,” he said in a statement.
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8 Comments
I see a man just about every day walking a Jack Russell terrier and a pit bull mix here on my corner that I wouldn’t mind groping.
:0)
Looking at the addresses: 39th Avenue is pretty isolated.
This is from the “Center for Anti-Violence Education”? Is this a joke? I thought they were against “all violence.”
Mr. Webley and Mr.Randall, gentleman it is not fair to want to use guns to solve this problem. this is not eye for an eye. This self defense is a great idea by our politicans. Brammer and Quinn are gong to show us how it is done. I hope they have a great turn out. At least they care enough to open up this school.
Please not forget our craft fair as well. It has advertised on this site for weeks. We need a big turn out. We never had a craft fair here before.
Now we need a magician to be in two places at once.
Webley, I’m with you – and I have been told that members of the 108th have been sent to Zuccotti Park, so we are short police officers.
Nice, we cannot catch the bastard, so we will teach you how to defend yourself. Maybe they should hand out guns so we can shoot the bastard.
I am glad a self defense course is being offered. I hope they are also planning some community flyers encouraging people to pay attention to their surroundings and look out for each other. Sure, you shouldn’t have to tell people this, but clearly someone should. These attacks occured at times when there should have been people around and on the streets. No one witnessed any of these attacks? Did everyone have music blaring in their ears and their faces in their phones? Probably.
I really like that they are doing this self-defense class. I would totally be there but have plans! Maybe something after work they could do??