The NYPD released a photo Monday of a man who allegedly tried to rape a 15-year-girl on the Upper West Side earlier this year.
Law enforcement said the incident unfolded near a smoke shop in the vicinity of West 63rd Street and 11th Avenue at approximately 7 a.m. on Feb. 14.
According to authorities, the suspect — who was not known to the victim — approached the young girl and convinced her to go to a nearby residence. Once at the location, police said, he then attempted to rape the girl — but she managed to get away from him.
It is not clear where the crime occurred, but an unknown individual made a 911 call about the incident the same day. Officers from the 20th Precinct responded to take the report; the case was then presented to the NYPD’s Special Victims Squad, which is leading the investigation.
Police did not release the suspect’s name, but described him as a man with a medium complexion and beard, and has curly hair.
According to the latest police data, rape in 20th Precinct is down 60% from last year. Total crime in the area is also down almost 5% — this includes major crimes such as murder, rape and robbery.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, or on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
