A 15-year-old boy was raped late on June 4 behind a single-family home in Forest Hills, a violent crime that has frayed nerves on an otherwise quiet Queens block and sent detectives into a days-long search for the attacker.
The assault happened at about 9:34 p.m., according to police, behind a house on Austin Street near 75th Avenue. The teen was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Queens for treatment, and neighbors say the late-night police response made clear something serious had unfolded in the backyard area.
As reported by New York Daily News, the NYPD’s Deputy Commissioner for Public Information released an image of the suspect that shows a person with long black hair, wearing a white shirt, a skirt and sandals. Investigators say they have not ruled out the possibility that the attacker was a man dressed in women’s clothing. The suspect fled the scene and remains at large while officers canvass the block for witnesses and video.
Police Appeal For Tips
Detectives are asking anyone who recognizes the person in the image to contact police. Tips can be submitted to NYPD Crime Stoppers by calling 800-577-TIPS or by submitting information online, and Spanish speakers can call 888-57-PISTA. The city’s Crime Stoppers program offers rewards for anonymous information that leads to arrests.
Investigators say they are reviewing neighborhood surveillance and cellphone video from the night of June 4 and are urging residents to check doorbell and building cameras for footage from that evening. Police say the investigation remains active and that updates will be released as new leads are developed.
Legal Implications
Because the alleged victim is 15, New York law treats sexual activity with anyone under 17 as unlawful, and prosecutors could seek felony sex-offense charges if an adult suspect is identified. No arrests or charges have been announced.
Article 130 of the New York Penal Law, which details the state’s sex-offense statutes, is outlined by Justia. Victims and families can seek medical care and counseling through hospital-based sexual-assault programs while the investigation continues.
New York Daily News published the suspect image and the department’s appeal on July 9, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or their local precinct.
