NEW YORK – Authorities in New York City are searching for a man accused of assaulting and attempting to sexually assault a young woman as she exited a subway station in Queens last weekend. The incident occurred shortly after midnight on February 24, according to police reports.

Details of the Incident

The victim, identified as a 20-year-old woman, had just disembarked from a Queens-bound F train at the 169th Street station in Jamaica when the assailant followed her onto the platform. Upon reaching the mezzanine area of the station, the suspect proceeded to physically assault the victim, repeatedly striking her in the face and attempting to remove her clothing.

Intervention and Escape

Fortunately, the victim’s cries for help alerted a security guard, who promptly intervened, causing the attacker to flee the scene. The suspect was last seen fleeing on foot towards 168 Place, evading capture.

Seeking Information

The victim was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward and assist in the investigation. They can do so by contacting the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or via the Crime Stoppers website or Twitter account. All information provided will be kept confidential.

Rise in Subway Crime

Crime within the New York City subway system has witnessed a concerning surge in 2024, with statistics from the NYPD indicating a significant increase compared to the previous year. Key points include:

• Overall Increase: Crime in January 2024 was reported to be 45% higher than the same period in 2023.
• Nature of Crimes: Grand larcenies accounted for the majority of reported incidents.
• Arrests: Law enforcement efforts have resulted in a notable uptick in arrests, particularly related to fare evasion.
• Weapon Recoveries: The police have confiscated 17 firearms in the past month alone, a threefold increase compared to the previous year. Additionally, 250 arrests have been made for possession of other weapons, reflecting a 44% rise.
• Assaults on MTA Employees: Seven assaults on MTA workers have been reported thus far in 2024, prompting concerns over safety.
• Response Measures: In response to the escalating crime rates, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban have deployed over 1,000 officers to the subway system daily since February.

Urgent Action Required

The recent incident in Queens underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures within New York City’s subway network. With crime rates on the rise and public safety at stake, it is imperative that authorities continue to allocate resources and implement strategies aimed at deterring criminal activity and ensuring the safety of commuters and employees alike.

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