Community Continues to Rally for Action in Serial Rape Cases

With 10 reported sexual attacks in the South Slope, Sunset Park, and Bay Ridge areas and a newly-released video of one suspect, tensions are running high in the neighborhood.

The Community Board 7 Public Safety meeting that was called to address the issue had a good turnout last night--though it seemed like half the crowd was from the press.

The coverage is appreciated. The more people know about the attacks--there have now been 10--the more resources the police put toward keeping the streets safe. And resources they are using, said Deputy Inspector Jesus Pintos of the 72nd Precinct.



DI Pintos took questions and tried to calm fears by explaining that the police have increased their presence in the areas where attacks have happened. Some in the audience wondered how many incidents it takes to get this kind of response, but DI Pintos insisted they have been giving it all their attention since the start.

"It doesn't matter if it's one, two, three people," he said, referencing the number of potential attackers there are. Police sketches for all are pictured above. "We're giving it all the attention it deserves."

That attention includes more uniformed officers in the area, particularly at the R subway station at Prospect and 4th and the F station at 9th St and 7th Ave, as well as more undercover officers throughout the area. The 72nd and 78th Precincts are combining resources, and they're receiving support for auxiliary officers, officers from other precincts in Brooklyn South, as well as the Special Victims Unit.

They've followed a number of leads, but so far, nothing has come of them, and no arrests have been made.



People wondered if they should buy mace or pepper spray, others asked if fighting was a wise idea. DI Pintos wasn't offering that kind of advice, but note that there are free self-defense classes starting in the neighborhood, and that in New York you're only allowed to buy mace and pepper spray at licensed dealers.

Tips DI Pintos was willing to give are the ones we've already heard: don't wear headphones, be aware of your surroundings, make noise. One interesting note was that since most of the attacks have taken place just as the victim was approaching her home, people should consider having someone meet them at the door if possible.

As far as reporting tips to the police, which has been reportedly difficult in the past, just call someone, anyone, or stop into the precinct.

Crime Stoppers: 800-577-TIPS
Special Victims: each wanted poster has a different number, in order as shown above: 718-230-4415, 718-230-4414, 718-230-4421
72nd Precinct: 718-965-6311