Woman Attacked Near Lefrak City
The man suspected of three rape attempts in Forest Hills earlier this year has reportedly been linked to an recent attempted sexual assault in Corona-and police now believe he’s working with a partner.
Law enforcement sources said the suspect-identified as 20-year-old Ibrahima Ragis-had the assistance of a second man in attacking a 20- year-old woman near the Lefrak City apartment complex at 97-11 Horace Harding Expwy. at around 2:30 a.m. on the morning of June 22.
A sketch of the second man was released by the NYPD last Saturday night, June 30.
According to information obtained by police, the victim was rolling her shopping cart while walking in front of the high-rise complex when the second suspect-described as an African-American male between 18 and 20 years of age, standing 5’9″-tall and weighing 150 lbs. while wearing only dark blue basketball shorts-sexually abused her from behind.
Reportedly, the woman struck the second man with her shopping cart, causing the perpetrator to run away. At that moment, authorities said, Ragis ran up to the woman and threw her to the ground.
As the suspect allegedly tried to rape her, police said, the woman fought back; Ragis then fled from the scene.
Members of the 110th Precinct and EMS units responded to the scene. The victim was brought to a local hospital for treatment of lacerations and bruises.
An investigation by the NYPD Queens Special Victims Squad linked the incident to Ragis, who is currently wanted for sexually abusing two women and robbing a third at knifepoint at undisclosed locations in the Forest Hills area between May 19 and June 3.
As previously reported, the first attack took place just before 3:30 a.m. on the morning of May 19, when Ragis allegedly confronted a 19-yearold woman as she entered her residence.
Armed with a knife, police said, the perpetrator allegedly grabbed her, then dragged her into a walkway, where he sexually abused her. Following the attack, it was reported, Ragis stole the victim’s money and cell phone, then fled from the scene.
The second attack reportedly took place at 3 a.m. on May 28, when Ragis allegedly confronted a 17-yearold female as she walked in front of her home.
Brandishing a knife, law enforcement sources said, the suspect allegedly put his hand over her mouth and dragged her into a nearby alley, where he raped her.
The victim was later brought to a local hospital, where she was treated and released.
Authorities said the robbery took place at around 2:35 a.m. on the morning of June 3, when Ragis approached a 22-year-old woman as she entered her residence. Again brandishing a knife, it is alleged, the suspect demanded her property.
After the victim complied with his demand, authorities said, the suspect fled from the scene in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured.
The investigation is ongoing.
Persons with information regarding the pattern or the suspects’ whereabouts are asked to contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-577- TIPS, by text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
All calls and messages will be kept confidential.
