Information for advertisers

NY1.com

Friday, November 21, 2008   37º F

NY1.com en Español

Updated 08/19/2008 09:59 PM

Police Arrest Teen, But Not In String Of Attacks

By: NY1 News

You need to enable JavaScript and to get the Flash player to view our videos How to enable JavaScript Install Adobe Flash player
After undergoing questioning by police a teenager was arrested Tuesday, but not in connection to a string of sex attacks in Southeast Queens.

Authorities said the 15-year-old is being charged with "forcible touching" for a completely unrelated incident.

The teen was brought in after an 18-year-old girl reportedly called police Monday night to say she saw the person who assaulted her last month in Springfield Gardens.

“Right now he is only going to be charged with this one particular incident,” said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly.

There have been 14 sex assaults in Jamaica, Saint Albans and Springfield Gardens, dating back to November.

Authorities have been looking for at least two men in connection with the attacks.

Neighborhood women told NY1 about their concern that the NYPD has not been able to crack the case yet.

"It's very frightful. I mean he's like a phantom," said a local woman.

“I want them to find them because I be scared to come out at nighttime,” said a second.

“I hope they keep looking, though I hope they find him or whoever it is,” said a third.

But Kelly said police forces are doing all they can.

“We've done a lot as far as preventive patrol is concerned,” said Kelly. “We have a lot of resources in the area. We put a task force together involving our detectives from our special victims squad and our Queens detectives task force.”

Police said they have been working off tips they have gotten from the public.

One suspect has been described as in his 20's with a Caribbean accent wanted in eight attacks from November through July, and another whom police say has attacked six women at bus stops since last month.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or text CRIMES, then enter TIP577.