Suspect Sought For Rego Pk. Attack
Detectives are asking the public’s help in tracking down the knife-wielding perpetrator who stabbed a man in the buttocks inside a Rego Park grocery store on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 9, in a vicious and apparently random attack that was caught on videotape.
The NYPD released on Monday night, Sept. 10, the surveillance camera footage of the assault and the suspect, who is described as an African-American male between 30 and 40 years of age standing 6’2″-tall and weighing 220 lbs.
Police said the stabbing took place at around 5:45 p.m. Sunday afternoon inside a grocery store located at 99-08 63rd Rd. near 99th Street.
Reportedly, the attacker-who was seen wearing a white t-shirt, a black hat, gray sweatpants and black sneakers-followed the victim into the shop.
Once inside, law enforcement sources said, the suspect reached into the right pocket of his pants, pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the buttocks. He would knife the man four more times in the same spot even as the victim tried to get away.
The motive for the attack is unknown and remains under investigation, it was reported.
Following the assault, police noted, the perpetrator walked out of the shop and fled in an unknown direction.
Members of the 112th Precinct and EMS units responded to the scene. The victim was taken to a local hospital and was listed in stable condition with injuries not considered to be life-threatening.
Various police units canvassed the surrounding area for the suspect but, despite their efforts, no immediate arrests were made, authorities noted.
The case was presented to the 112th Precinct Detective Squad for further investigation, police said.
Anyone with any information regarding the stabbing or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is asked to call the 112th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-520-9250 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Information may also be sent to Crime Stoppers via text message to 274637 (enter information, then the code TIP577) or online at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.
All calls and messages will be kept confidential.