A 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on the southbound platform at the 63rd Drive–Rego Park subway station on Sunday morning, according to police. Investigators say the attack happened at about 8:20 a.m., when an unknown man walked up to the woman on the platform, pushed her against a wall and touched her inappropriately. Police later circulated surveillance stills of a man they want to identify. As of Monday, no arrests had been announced.
As reported by New York Daily News, detectives say the suspect tried to kiss the woman, grabbed her groin over her jeans and squeezed her buttocks during the encounter on the southbound platform near Queens Boulevard. Police released photos of the suspected attacker and urged anyone who recognizes him to contact investigators. Commuters who were in the station at the time and have photos or video are also being asked to come forward.
Police Description and What's Known
Police described the suspect as a light-complexioned man of slim build with short hair. Investigators say he was last seen wearing a blue and white sweatshirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. Detectives believe the encounter unfolded quickly and are asking riders who were at the station around 8:20 a.m. Sunday to review any photos or video they took and share anything that could help the case.
How to Report Tips
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or to submit tips anonymously through the department's Crime Stoppers app or website, as detailed by the NYPD. The department says tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
Broader Subway Safety Concerns
The Rego Park assault comes as police across the city have been releasing images to help track down suspects in other subway-platform attacks and transit crimes. Earlier this month, NBC New York reported on a separate incident in which authorities circulated photos after an apparent push at the Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station, underscoring how detectives increasingly lean on bystander footage and surveillance stills. Transit riders have been voicing concerns about platform safety, while police say public tips are often key to making an arrest.
Detectives from Transit District 20 are leading the investigation into the Rego Park case. Anyone with tips, photos or video is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS or to contact the NYPD's Transit Unit. The investigation remains active, and detectives are urging commuters to preserve any footage that could help identify the suspect.
