The NYPD is asking for the public’s help to track down a man accused of groping two women in separate late-night incidents in the Bronx’s 48th Precinct, and Crime Stoppers has released photos in hopes someone recognizes him.
Investigators say the same man approached two women in different encounters, allegedly grabbing one victim’s buttocks in late February and a different victim’s groin in early March, then running off on foot. Authorities have described the acts as quick and opportunistic and are urging anyone with footage or information to come forward. A reward is on the table for tips that lead to an arrest.
In a post on X, NYPD Crime Stoppers said the first incident happened on Feb. 26 at about 8:20 p.m. near Third Avenue and involved a 22-year-old victim. The second was reported on Tuesday at about 8:15 p.m. in the vicinity of East 179th Street and Third Avenue and involved a 27-year-old victim.
The post included still photos of the man being sought and described him as a light-complexioned male who was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants, a light-colored sweater and black sneakers. The alert notes that anyone with information may be eligible for a reward of up to $3,500.
What the law calls forcible touching
Under New York Penal Law §130.52, forcible touching means intentionally touching another person’s sexual or intimate parts to degrade that person or to satisfy the actor’s sexual desire. The statute specifies that forcible touching “includes squeezing, grabbing or pinching.” The offense is classified as a class A misdemeanor.
How to help
Anyone with information, video or photos is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish at 1-888-57-PISTA (74782), or to submit a tip online at the Crime Stoppers website. Tips can be submitted anonymously and could qualify for the reward described in the alert.
Local context
Alerts like this have been popping up across city neighborhoods in recent months as police lean on public tips and surveillance footage to identify suspects. a similar groping case in the Bronx was reported earlier this month as investigators look for patterns and additional witnesses.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, contact Crime Stoppers with any leads or footage. Detectives from the 48th Precinct are handling this investigation and are asking residents to check phone and door-cam video for anything that might help.
