Severely Beaten and Raped: Incident in Queens’ Business District
A 53-year-old woman was the victim of a heinous crime on Sunday night in one of Queens’ busiest business districts. According to police, the woman was inside a building on Main St. near 40th Road in downtown Flushing when a young man wearing a black T-shirt and white shorts viciously attacked her around 10:45 p.m.
The assailant repeatedly punched the woman in the head and face before committing the abhorrent act of rape. After the assault, he fled the scene, leaving the woman in urgent need of medical attention. She was promptly taken to an area hospital for treatment.
Police Investigation and Description of the Assailant
Following the incident, law enforcement officers delved into the surrounding area for clues. It was discovered that the rapist had utilized the local train station in his escape. Detectives were able to obtain surveillance images of the suspect, depicting a Hispanic man who is heavyset and in his late teens or early 20s. These images were released on Friday with the hope that someone may recognize him.
As police grapple with a 10 per cent increase in rape reports this year, the need to apprehend the perpetrator of this heinous crime has become even more urgent. With 880 cases of rape and sexual assault currently under investigation—a significant rise from the previous year—authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.
Police Response and Call for Information
NYPD Detective Joseph Kenney has assured the public that the department is taking these crimes seriously. He emphasized the expansion of the staffing in the Special Victims Unit and reiterated the commitment to addressing the surge in sexual assaults head-on.
Individuals with any information regarding the whereabouts or identity of the rapist are urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept strictly confidential, and any assistance provided could play a crucial role in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
