Police Arrest Suspect In Sex Assault Of Teen Girl At Fort Hamilton Subway Station
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police arrested a suspect Thursday night in the alleged sexual assault of a teen at a Borough Park subway stop.
Investigators had launched an intense manhunt Wednesday for a suspect, armed with crystal clear surveillance video, CBS 2's Kathryn Brown reported.
Commuters and especially women were on edge at the Fort Hamilton Parkway subway station after police said a man sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl.
"Shock actually because this is a really nice area," resident Stephanie Morano said.
However, investigators said they have their man. Authorities arrested 29-year-old Mario Escudero-Flores and charged him with sexual misconduct, forcible touching and endangering the welfare of a child.
Clear surveillance pictures showed the person police say walked up behind a teenage girl during the afternoon rush hour, reached under her skirt and groped her.
"I mean it's despicable, deplorable. I don't really have any other words to describe it," resident Kelly O'Connor said.
The victim told police her attacker made no attempt to hide his appearance, and police said she gave a very good description.
Using that, they were able to sort through surveillance photos and narrow the suspect to a man with a distinctive Mohawk haircut and clearly marked clothing.
"Oh wow, yeah, it's really scary, gotta be more cautious now," resident Renee Azar said.
Commuters said they're glad a potential predator is off the streets, though the attack has prompted many to say they'll be more cautious, particularly in a big crowd.
What in your opinion would be an appropriate punishment for the perpetrator in this case?