NYPD Trying To Identify Man Accused Of Attacking 11-Year-Old Girl, Making Sexual Threats

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police are looking for a man accused of robbing and threatening an 11-year-old girl in Queens.

Police said the child was walking to a grocery store near her home in Jackson Heights when, out of nowhere, she was attacked, CBS2's Natalie Duddridge reported.

It happened around 8:45 a.m. on July 25.

Surveillance video shows the man wearing all black running down the street.

Investigators believe he grabbed the girl and dragged her into an alley near 86th Street and Northern Boulevard where he held her down and forced her to remove her mask.

Officers said he pushed a sharp object against the girl's throat and threatened to sexually assault her. He reportedly asked how old she was.

"To go after an 11-year-old child, that is, it's unthinkable," said Ruth Williams.

"My husband doesn't let me walk alone anymore because it's kind of deserted now or whatever. I think parents should, even she's 11, go with her," Eileen Hunt said.

The girl was treated at the hospital for cuts on her neck. She's expected to be OK.

Some residents said they want to see more officers patrolling the area on foot.

"It's still scary, walking outside. I'm always on guard, kind of, just in case anything happens," said Elysia Williams.

Authorities said the man stole $20 from the girl and her house keys.

At one point, the suspect took off his shoes and was running around in socks, according to police.

Anyone who might remember seeing him is urged to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-8477 or for Spanish, 1-888-577-4782. Tips can also be sent to the NYPDTips Twitter account or submitted online at NYPDCrimeStoppers.com.

In:
• Queens
• Jackson Heights
• New York