Police search for sexual predator in lower Manhattan after two attacks within 24 hours.
NYPD detectives are actively investigating a series of sexual assaults that occurred in lower Manhattan within a 24-hour period, as authorities seek to apprehend a suspect believed to be responsible for these incidents. According to police reports, the suspect has targeted two young women, aged 25 and 26, in separate assaults that occurred in the early hours of May 17 and May 18, respectively.
The first incident took place shortly after 2 a.m. on May 17, at the intersection of West Houston and MacDougal Streets, situated at the border of SoHo and Greenwich Village. The suspect reportedly approached the 25-year-old victim while holding a cellphone displaying a map. After soliciting her for directions, he allegedly grabbed her inappropriately before fleeing the scene.
Approximately 11 hours later, near the same vicinity on West Houston Street, another assault was reported around 1:50 a.m. The second victim, a 26-year-old woman, was accosted by the same perpetrator, who forcefully brought her to the ground and molested her over her clothing before once again escaping.
Both women sustained minor injuries as a result of their encounters with the suspect. Despite the ongoing investigation, no arrests have yet been made, and police are urging the public’s assistance in identifying the individual responsible for these acts.
Authorities have collected surveillance footage that captures the suspect in the area prior to the assaults. In the footage, he is seen wearing glasses, a black jacket, black jeans, and distinctive white sneakers, although his appearance remains under investigation.
The New York Police Department is calling upon anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to reach out to the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All tips submitted to the hotline will remain confidential, and police hope that increased public awareness can lead to swift justice for the victims and the apprehension of the suspect.
As this situation develops, the safety of the community remains a top priority for law enforcement, who continue to investigate potential links between these incidents and others in the area. Authorities are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in Manhattan.
For continuous updates, readers are encouraged to check reliable news sources as the investigation progresses.
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