Sketch released of Bronx serial groper

BRONX (WABC) -- Police are searching for a man creating a wave of fear across the northern Bronx following a string of groping incidents across the borough.

Now, the New York City Police Department is releasing a sketch of the man they are looking for, which they hope will lead to an arrest.

"Our kids should be able to walk ... (without) being touched by a stranger," said Lt. Austin Morange, who is part of the team from Bronx Special Victims trying to track down this suspect.

Police said he always strikes in the morning, so far between 6:55 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The victims were all either heading to work or to school.

This afternoon, parents there were on high alert. The situation "makes me upset," said Jamila Smith, parent.

The suspect is believed to be behind at least nine forcible touching incidents since February. The two latest incidents happened not far from Edenwald playground.

The most recent offense happened on June 11, when a 12-year-old girl walking down the street was grabbed from behind before the suspect fled. In another incident, another 12-year-old girl was alone, walking to school at 7:20 a.m. May 30 on East 233rd Street in the Bronx. Police said this man forcibly grabbed the child's private parts, then took off.

That's the m.o. for most of the cases, authorities said, with the victims being groped from behind before the predator runs away.

He is described as a black male in his early 20s, about 5-foot-10 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, blue jeans and dark-colored sneakers.

Police are advising women and children to watch their backs as they walk down the street, because many of the attacks have happened in broad daylight.

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).