The hunt is still on for a suspect in South Ozone Park wanted for sexual assaults on young children as cops release a third video of the alleged perpetrator.
Police say the perv sexually assaulted two seven-year-old girls in separate incidents on Wednesday. The suspect approached the first girl around 3 p.m., police said, and groped her while she sat on the stoop of her home.
He approached the second girl around 6 p.m. while she was playing in her driveway. Police said he performed a sexual act on the girl before fleeing on foot.
Community response has been rapid and active in the wake of the assaults.
The NYPD has increased its presence in the area, giving the 106th Precinct more cops to search for the suspect.
The extra forces include officers from the sexual crimes and criminal response divisions along with eight police cars and 16 officers.
The Community Affairs arm of the NYPD is passing out fliers depicting the suspect and will speak to schools in the precinct on “stranger danger.”
Police have also increased the award to $12,000 for information on the suspect, who is described as a man in his 20s of dark complexion.
City Council Speaker and mayoral candidate Christine Quinn visited South Ozone Park on Monday, May 6 to pass out flyers.
“We’re asking the public, if you recognize this man, call the anonymous tips line,” Quinn told reporters. “We need your help. If you or your child were victimized by him, call the police.”
Councilmember Eric Ulrich, who was also at the appearance, said the community was visibly shocked by the reported assaults.
“It happened in my district,” Ulrich said, “And I can tell you that since this heinous crime took place, the residents in South Ozone Park have been shaken to their core.”
He added that the community and NYPD have been working together to spread information about the suspect through flyers, social media and other means.
“People have been keeping an eye out for this creep,” he said. “People need to be vigilant so he can be apprehended as soon as possible.”
Some Indar, who comes to South Ozone Park to shop at the Home Depot on Rockaway Boulevard, said it was odd for something like this to happen in a community-oriented environment.
“People don’t expect these things around here,” he said.
Anyone with information in regards to either of the above crimes is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (5477). The public can also submit their tips by visiting the Crime Stoppers website at or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
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