Cops Offering $2,000 Reward
Police in Bushwick are searching for a man wanted in a series of two sexual assaults who may also be responsible for a rape that occurred last weekend, the commander of the 83rd Precinct reported at the 83rd Precinct Community Council Tuesday night, Apr. 16, at the Bushwick stationhouse.
According to Deputy Inspector Anthony Tasso, the suspect was wanted in two incidents of forceable touching, where he approached women from behind, groped them and punched them in the head.
But over the weekend of Apr. 13- 14, a rape occurred on Troutman Street between Irving and Wyckoff avenues, Tasso told the council. He said the groping pattern and rape may be conected.
Tasso said the Brooklyn North Special Victims Unit is handling the case and will be conducting nighttime vehicular patrols in the area.
He added that Wyckoff “seems to be a problem,” in part because the L train runs along the avenue and provides quick escape.
The precinct will be extending Impact Officers’ patrols by one block up to Troutman Street, he said. Starr Street is usually the farthest west they go, Tasso noted.
The incidents of forcible touching occurred around 9 p.m. and 1:50 a.m. on Feb. 20 and Apr. 9 respectively, according to police reports.
The suspect is described as a lightskined, black or hispanic male with a black mustache standing about 5’9″ and was last seen wearing a light-colored, three-quarter length pea coat, scarf, knit hat and jeans, reports stated.
There is a $2,000 reward payable upon arrest and indictment of the individual, it was noted.
Anyone with any information regarding the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts that could prove helpful is 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.
