Police are looking for a man who slapped a 15-year-old girl on the buttocks as she walked to her morning commute in Washington Heights, then took off down West 181st Street before officers could catch up with him.
The incident happened on Friday, Feb. 20 at about 7:58 a.m. near St. Nicholas Avenue and West 181st Street, according to police. Neighbors said regular morning commuters were rattled after word of the assault spread through the area.
🚨 WANTED FOR A FORCIBLE TOUCHING: on Friday, February 20, 2026, at approximately 7:58 A.M., in the vicinity of St Nicholas Avenue and West 181 Street, in the confines of the NYPD 34 Precinct, a 15-year-old female victim was approached from behind by an unidentified individual https://t.co/d4xmzDVauP
— NYPD Crime Stoppers (@NYPDTips) February 27, 2026
What police say
In a wanted alert posted on X, the NYPD Crime Stoppers account said the unidentified suspect walked up behind the 15-year-old, slapped her buttocks over her clothing, then ran off westbound on West 181st Street, according to NYPD Crime Stoppers on X.
The alert lists the time of the assault as approximately 7:58 a.m. and places it within the boundaries of the NYPD's 34th Precinct. So far, investigators have not released surveillance images or any detailed description of the suspect in that public notice.
Where it happened
The intersection of St. Nicholas Avenue and West 181st Street is inside the 34th Precinct, which covers Washington Heights and Inwood and includes the nearby 181st Street 1-train station.
St. Nicholas Avenue has seen other troubling incidents in recent weeks, a pattern highlighted in coverage of a Seven-On-One Street Robbery along the same corridor. Police and neighborhood groups say that quick-thinking bystanders, cellphone video and timely tips often make the difference in tracking down suspects.
How to help
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). Spanish speakers can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted online or by DM to @NYPDTips, according to the alert posted by NYPD Crime Stoppers on X.
Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,500 if their information leads to an arrest and indictment. Anyone who believes they are in immediate danger should call 911.
Safety for students and commuters
Local parents and daily riders said the alert shook up the usual morning rush and renewed calls for extra vigilance, especially during school and work commute hours.
Officials recommend walking with others when possible, keeping a phone handy and saving any photo or video evidence only when it can be done safely. Community groups in the area sometimes organize walking buddies and morning safety sweeps around subway entrances to help people feel less alone on their route.
