Serial Rapist On The Loose In Queens

By Tom Scott A serial rapist has attacked six women in Queens and one in Nassau County since December, police said.
The rapist’s latest attack came last Monday night, when a 55-year-old woman was robbed, beaten and raped behind her home in Rosedale.
The police describe the rapist as a black man, between 20 and 30 years old, between 5-feet-9 and 6-feet-3 and weighing 150 to 200 pounds. The man is known to wear dark clothing, a baseball or knit cap and possibly a ski mask.
According to police the rapist has used a silver-tipped automatic handgun in some of his attacks. All of the victims were accosted in their residence or approaching their residence. In two cases the attacker has approached the victim’s home, rang the doorbell and identified himself as a cab driver, police said. Once the victim opens the door and is vulnerable, he pulls out a handgun or pretends he has one, and forces his way in. A majority of the attacks, however, have taken place after the victim exits a dollar van or cab near their home. A source within the NYPD said the rapist waits for women to approach their home and attacks from behind.
The rapist began attacking in late December. By January, police said they knew they had a serial rapist on their hands. The rapist struck four times in the neighborhoods of Laurelton, Cambria Heights, Rosedale and Elmont. The attacks then stopped for five months and suddenly began again in September.
Queens detectives said they believe the rapist may live in Queens and that he is very familiar with the areas where he has attacked. All of the attacks have occurred within a five-mile radius in Southeast Queens.
Susan Noreika, chairperson of Queens Community Board 13, said she believes the rapist may live within her district. "It’s my gut feeling that [the rapist] either lives here or is closely related with someone who lives here," Noreika said. "The rapist also seems to know when his victims arrive home. I don’t think he is a stranger to this community. That’s why police haven’t been able to catch him."
Community Board 13 encompasses the areas of southeast Queens, including Laurelton, Cambria Heights and Rosedale, where a majority of the attacks have taken place.
"This district is a perfect location for a serial rapist to strike. There are many escape routes nearby including the Cross Island Pkwy and many major roadways. In addition the district is situated along the Queens-Nassau County line," Noreika added.
Lucy Guido, a detective sergeant for the Nassau Police Department said her office is working together with the NYPD in investigating the attacks. She also said that the location of a majority of the attacks may be strategic. "One theory may very well be that the area in which the attacks are taking place is being used by the rapist for its access to escape routes such as the Cross Island Parkway. But that’s just one theory," Guido said.
NYPD officials said that the investigation is ongoing and that they have no suspects.
Anyone with information should contact the 105th Precinct at 776-9090.