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.
