Man wanted for rape attacked teenager in Queens Park: NYPD

Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information about a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park.

June 15, 2024, 11:13 a.m. EDT | Updated June 15, 2024, 11:14 a.m. EDT

QUEENS, NY – Police are asking the public for help in locating a tattooed man who allegedly forced two teenagers to follow him at knifepoint in a Queens park before tying them up and sexually assaulting the girl.

According to the New York Police Department, the incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday in Kissena Park near Colden Street and Kalmia Avenue. Police said a man with curly hair and braces approached a boy and a girl, both 13, before pulling out a knife and demanding that they follow him into the woods.

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At a press conference reported by NBC New York, police said the man tied her wrists with a shoelace and then sexually assaulted the girl before taking both of their cell phones and fleeing.

According to NBC New York, police said the man told the children to stay where they were for 20 minutes. When the time was up, the children went to their school and told the school administration what had happened.

Both children were taken to hospital in stable condition, the report said.

“As a father and a long-time employee of this department, this is every parent’s nightmare,” NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said during the press conference, according to NBC New York. “We will spare no expense. We will utilize every investigative resource. And I again implore the public to help us close this case for these young children and this family.”

Police described the suspect as Hispanic, in his 20s and about 5’5″ tall. He was wearing red sneakers and carrying a green backpack.

According to authorities, he also had a tattoo of a bull or wild boar on his chest.

Anyone with information should contact the NYPD at 800-577-8477. Callers with information may be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000.