Groper at large, community aid needed | The suspect of a sex abuse crime is still at large, and the NYPD is looking for community assistance in apprehending him. At about 4:30 p.m. on Tues. Jan. 12, a man grabbed the buttocks of a 12-year-old girl as she passed by him on W. 28th St. She screamed and ran back home, where her mother called 911. At the time, the girl was able to describe him as male, white, in his early 20s, with brown hair, about 5’6,” wearing dark green pants and a bow tie. As of Thurs., Jan. 14, the NYPD obtained surveillance video of the suspect, clad in a brown jacket, black scarf, and green pants. Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD’s Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, nypdcrimestoppers.com, or text 274637 and enter “TIP577.” All calls are kept strictly confidential.
CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FORGED INSTRUMENT: Alabama scammer headed to the slammer | A 22-year-old Manhattan man attempted to use some faux-southern charm to drive off into the sunset with an ill-gotten car on Tues., Jan 15. At about 4:46 p.m., he attempted to remove a 2005 Honda Accord from the Police Impound at Pier 76 (southwest corner of W. 38th St. & 12th Ave.) using a forged Alabama registration. Upon closer inspection, it was discovered that the Alabama dealer plates provided were also forged, having not been registered since 2011. The man was arrested before he could make a getaway, behind the wheel or otherwise.
LOST PROPERTY: Globetrotting gal misplaces miscellany | Retracing her steps might be out of the question for an adventurous (and unfortunate) visitor from Melbourne. The 50-year-old had travelled from her native Australia, to Iceland, then to NYC — only realizing she was missing a bunch of stuff while checking into a Holiday Inn (232 W. 29th St., btw. Seventh & Eighth Aves.) at about 9 a.m. on Thurs., Jan 14. There had thankfully been no charges to her credit card, but the Aussie’s accident cost her a number of items, including an iPhone 4, UGG gloves, a Victoria’s Secret makeup bag, a Coach handbag, multiple designer sunglasses, $1,000 in US currency, and 120 euros.
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: Wanton destruction not a bright idea | A 53-year-old proved she was a fairly dim bulb, when she was caught removing a light fixture from the wall of the hallway of her own W. 20th St. apartment complex. On Sat., Jan. 2, the woman grabbed at the light fixture and attempted to rip it from the wall. Finding this method ineffective, she then used a hammer to successfully dislodge it. Video evidence of the incident shone a light on the culprit, who was identified by management, and arrested on Tues., Jan. 17, after a report on Jan. 15 sparked police interest in the case.
PETIT LARCENY: Key-p it simple, stupid | One criminal had the key — literally — to some easy cash, and implemented a straightforward scheme to unlock it. The thief walked into a Duane Reade (131 Eighth Ave., btw. W. 16th & W. 17th Sts.) at about 7:30 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 16, and made his way downstairs to the cash register. Using a register key in his possession, he opened the till, took $100, locked the register, and left. There was video evidence at the scene, and it is believed that the perp might be a 25-year-old former employee.
—SEAN EGAN
THE 10th PRECINCT: Located at 230 W. 20th St. (btw. Seventh & Eighth Aves.). Commander: Deputy Inspector Michele Irizarry. Main number: 212-741-8211. Community Affairs: 212-741-8226. Crime Prevention: 212-741-8226. Domestic Violence: 212-741-8216. Youth Officer: 212-741-8211. Auxiliary Coordinator: 212-924-3377. Detective Squad: 212-741-8245. The Community Council meets on the last Wed. of the month, 7 p.m., at the 10th Precinct or other locations to be announced. The next meeting is Jan. 27.
THE 13th PRECINCT: Located at 230 E. 21st St. (btw. Second & Third Aves.). Deputy Inspector: David Ehrenberg. Call 212-477-7411. Community Affairs: 212-477-7427. Crime Prevention: 212-477-7427. Domestic Violence: 212-477-3863. Youth Officer: 212-477-7411. Auxiliary Coordinator: 212-477-4380. Detective Squad: 212-477-7444. The Community Council meets on the third Tues. of the month, 6:30 p.m., at the 13th Precinct. The next meeting is Feb. 16.
CASH FOR GUNS | $100 cash will be given (no questions asked) for each handgun, assault weapon or sawed-off shotgun, up to a maximum payment of $300. Guns are accepted at any Police Precinct, PSA or Transit District.
