FLUSHING, QUEENS (WABC) — A “strong person of interest” is in custody in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park.
No charges have been filed and the investigation continues.
In the past 24 hours, police have released new images of the man they are searching for.
Two teens’ playtime last week turned into a nightmare after police say the man approached two 13-year-olds with a machete-style knife and forced them into the woods from Jamaica, Queens.
Police say he then grabbed their cellphones, tied the husband’s wrists together and then sexually assaulted the girl.
Investigators recovered the shoelace used to tie the children’s hands, as well as a water bottle that the accused rapist had left behind.
The suspect in this case has a distinctive tattoo that police say is on the chest of a red-eyed wild boar.
Police reached out to the community for help and they responded quickly.
“We decided to create a tenants association, we have to do neighborhood watch and we are forming a tenants association to protect our children,” said a resident of the neighborhood.
These new developments come after the New York Police Department offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
Patrol Chief John Chell and Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry will appear on Eyewitness News Mornings @10 to discuss developments in the investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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