13-Year-Old Girl Assaulted at Knifepoint in NYC Park, Suspect Sought
A 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted at knifepoint in Kissena Park, Queens, on Thursday afternoon, prompting the NYPD to release a suspect sketch and offer a $10,000 reward for information.
The horrifying incident occurred on the afternoon of June 13, when a man brandishing a knife forced two teens into a secluded area of the park, assaulted the girl, and robbed them of their phones. The suspect, described as a young Hispanic male in his 20s with distinct features including a tattoo of a boar or bull with red eyes, remains at large. The NYPD has released a sketch and video of the suspect and is soliciting public assistance, offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
According to police reports, the assault took place around 3 p.m. in a wooded area of Kissena Park. The perpetrator forced the two teens, a boy and a girl, away from the main park pathways at knifepoint. After the attack, the suspect stole their smartphones and fled the scene.
The NYPD has described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his early to mid-20s, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall. He has short black hair and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans. A particularly notable identifying feature is a tattoo on his left arm of a boar or bull with red eyes.
"This is a deeply disturbing case," said NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig. "We are doing everything we can to bring this individual to justice and are asking for the community's help in identifying and locating the suspect."
The released video footage shows the suspect walking out of the park shortly after the incident. In the video, he appears calm and collected, which may indicate familiarity with the area. Detectives are examining the footage for additional clues and are urging anyone who recognizes the man to come forward.
Both teens were taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and are receiving counseling for trauma. Community leaders and local officials have expressed their outrage and concern, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures in public parks.
Queens Borough President Donovan Richards remarked, "This heinous crime has no place in our community. Our parks should be safe havens for our children, not places of fear. We stand with the victims and their families during this difficult time."
In response to the attack, there has been an increased police presence in and around Kissena Park. Patrol units have been assigned to monitor the area more closely, and police are encouraging park visitors to be extra vigilant.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the suspect or the crime to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through the Crime Stoppers website or via the P3 Tips mobile app.
The NYPD hopes that the reward will incentivize individuals with potential leads to come forward. Investigators stress that even small pieces of information could prove vital in tracking down and apprehending the suspect.
Community activists are organizing a rally in Kissena Park this weekend to raise awareness about the assault and to advocate for increased park security. The rally aims to unite the community in support of the victims and to press for action to prevent such incidents in the future.