Attempted rape in Queens sparks NYPD search for suspect
JAMAICA, Queens (WABC) -- Police are searching for the man accused of trying to rape a 20-year-old woman as she left a subway station in Jamaica, Queens.
That young woman is physically okay thanks to several security guards who were on patrol at the 169th Street Station.
Around midnight, police say the suspect followed a young woman exiting a Queens-bound F train.
Once the two got to the mezzanine the man allegedly punched the woman several times, covered her face, and tried to take her clothes off.
Security guards heard the commotion and came over to help. The suspect ran from the station.
Surveillance video showed the man wearing a light blue hood.
ALSO READ: Mayor Adams says he supports deporting migrants who commit serious crimes
Regulars who take this stop told Eyewitness News they usually feel safe but believe more needs to be done to protect female riders.
"It makes you worry you know like because I bet she was just coming from work, going home, and happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time," Kiara, a subway rider, said.
"I use the subway every day and even sometimes I'm here at night and I'm alone. It's definitely worrisome for sure," Annie, another rider, said.
And it's not just on subways.
Police say a man grabbed a woman on board a bus in the Bronx last Friday.
When the 33-year-old mother of two confronted the man, he slashed her in the face and ran from the scene.
While major crime is up on subways, sex crimes are trending down according to NYPD statistics. There were 84 attacks last year compared to 75 in 2024. That's an 11 percent decrease.
Police believe sending more officers into the transit system helped reduce crime in February.
Despite the numbers, riders said they want to see more being done to keep women safe on public transit
Call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit tips by visiting the CrimeStoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by messaging on Twitter @NYPDTips.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
