Detectives need the public’s help in finding a man accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy inside a Laurelton deli on Sunday afternoon.
According to law enforcement source, the attack occurred at 5:20 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the Hands Deli, located at 233-14 Merrick Blvd.
Authorities said the perpetrator, who went by the name “Mel,” sexually assaulted the 13-year-old boy, then forced him to perform a sex act on him. Moments later, Mel fled the scene.
Officers from the 105th Precinct responded to the scene. Paramedics brought the teenager to North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, where he was treated and released for his injuries.
On Tuesday morning, Nov. 6, the NYPD released security video footage of the perpetrator; he’s described as as a black man standing 6 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, with brown eyes, a bald head and a dark complexion.
The suspect was last seen wearing a blue-and-gray New York Mets cap, a black hooded sweatshirt, a black bubble vest, a gray T-shirt, black jeans and black sneakers. Cops also said he had an earring in his left ear.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA), visit the Crime Stoppers website, send a direct message to the Crime Stoppers Twitter account (@NYPDTips) or send a text message to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
