Cops Up Reward for Info Leading to Sexual Assault Arrests

Two things are certain about the string of sexual assaults that have occured throughout the area for months: there is no single culprit and authorities have yet to make an arrest.

"We're not talking about a serial groper," said Deputy Inspector Jesus Pintos, commanding officer of the 72nd Precinct, at Tuesday night's Community Council meeting.

He could not say exactly how many men cops are currently hunting for, only that it's "definitely more than one."

Pintos said the NYPD has raised the reward for any information leading to an arrest from $500 to $2,000—shortly after announcing that yet another reported incident took place on Monday night in Sunset Park when a woman was groped after being followed from the 36th St. subway station.

Authorities also released a sketch of the person suspected to have groped a 20-year-old woman Sunday night on Vanderbilt St., the 12th incident in the disturbing string of attacks.

The suspect is described as an Hispanic man standing about 5-foot-4, between 20 and 25 years old with black hair and a medium build. He also is believed to have a mole on the left side of his neck.

While Pintos noted "more people are coming forward and reporting things they might not have in the past," due to the media scrutiny surrounding the attacks, he admitted cops "haven't arrested anyone involved."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.
All calls are strictly confidential.