Police are asking for the public’s help to find a man they say groped a 19‑year‑old woman outside 1197 Sutter Avenue in Brooklyn on Monday, May 18. According to investigators, the man walked up behind her, grabbed her buttocks and pressed his body against her before taking off, leaving the teen shaken as he fled the scene. Detectives have released still images of the suspect and are hoping someone recognizes him.
In a wanted post published on June 29, 2026, NYPD Crime Stoppers said the assault happened at approximately 3:58 p.m. and that the man ran off in an unknown direction. The alert notes the victim’s age as 19 and includes surveillance stills of the suspect. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest and indictment.
What investigators say
In the public alert, NYPD Crime Stoppers labeled the case "WANTED FOR FORCIBLE TOUCHING" and laid out a brief timeline of the encounter. The bulletin does not name a suspect. Instead, detectives are banking on the images, asking anyone who recognizes the person shown to get in touch with investigators.
Where this happened
The incident took place in front of the Cypress Hills branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at 1197 Sutter Avenue, a local community hub in East New York, according to the Brooklyn Public Library. That address is within the NYPD’s 75th Precinct, which covers East New York and Cypress Hills, per the precinct page on NYC.gov.
Forcible touching under state law
New York law defines forcible touching as intentionally and non‑consensually touching another person’s sexual or intimate parts, including the buttocks, for the purpose of sexual gratification or to degrade the victim, according to the state’s criminal jury instructions and Penal Law. The offense is prosecuted under Penal Law § 130.52 and is classified as a misdemeanor that can carry jail time. Whether charges are brought will depend on the investigation and the local District Attorney’s office.
How to help investigators
Anyone with information, photos or video is urged to preserve that evidence and contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1‑800‑577‑TIPS or by submitting an anonymous tip through the city’s Crime Stoppers program. Tipsters may qualify for a reward of up to $3,500 if their information leads to an arrest and indictment, according to the New York City Police Foundation.
