Upper East Side Groper May Be Responsible For Central Park Attack

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police believe the man suspected in a series of gropings on the Upper East Side may have attacked another woman in Central Park.

According to police, the suspect approached a 28-year-old woman walking on a path near the former Tavern on the Green restaurant Friday night. Investigators said she fought back, kicking, punching and poking him in the eye.

"I can't believe nobody's caught him. I don't know how he's getting away with it," said Marlene Barrett of the Upper East Side.

"I think just the collection of clues and whereabouts of where he is will hopefully help the police find him and locate him," said Kristen Katerakis of the Upper West Side.

The suspect is described as 120 pounds, standing 4'11" with spiky hair and a gap between his front teeth.

Authorities also tied the suspect to an attempted rape of a 21-year-old woman inside an East Harlem apartment building around 4:35 a.m. on July 31.

"He came towards me.  He tried to speak, but I wouldn't let him. So he tried to attack me, but I pushed him away.  I pushed him away about two or three times.  After he seen me fighting him away, he grabbed in between my legs," the victim told CBS 2's Pablo Guzman.

"Someone needs to stop him because he's just going to keep on doing it until he tries something new," she added.

The same man is also suspected in a separate incident on Saturday, when he allegedly approached a woman from behind inside the 59th Street/Lexington Avenue Subway station and lifted her skirt. Police believe the suspect attempted to possibly videotape her. The 27-year-old victim screamed and ran away.

Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said Tuesday that detectives believe the suspect may be a kitchen worker because the incidents have occurred at off hours.

Anyone with information should call police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.

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