Police have released their sketch of a third suspect in the series of sex attacks that have put some Brooklyn neighborhoods on edge.
At a safety meeting Tuesday night, police showed a new sketch of a man believed to be behind at least one of the 10 sexual assaults in the Park Slope, Sunset Park and Greenwood Heights neighborhoods since March.
Police said most of the incidents occurred between 8:30 p.m. and 4 a.m., usually on a Friday or Saturday. Most of the victims were petite women between the ages of 21 and 32.
In one case, a victim said she saw her assailant run to a cream-colored Chevrolet SUV.
Deputy Inspector Raul Pintos of NYPD's 72nd Precinct told meeting attendees Tuesday more officers have been deployed on the streets in response to the attacks. Some of the officers are in uniform, while others are in plainclothes, he said.
Still, some women who attended the safety meeting said they weren't satisfied with what what they were being told.
"It feels like it's too vague, like we are not really getting information," said Alexandra Benavente. "And the only thing they are suggesting is that if you get attacked, scream. That's not really a way to feel safe."
This was the second safety meeting held by police regarding the assaults. Last week, police showed sketches of two suspects, and said they were developing a third suspect.
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Late Tuesday night, police also released video of a person of interest in one of the attacks. The video shows the man walking in the vicinity of an attempted sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours of Sept. 4.
Area residents have been mobilizing against the sexual assaults: self-defense classes have seen increased attendance, according to the Center for Anti-Violence, and a rally was held last Wednesday as a show of defense against the sexual predators.
A volunteer bike patrol service was also announced Tuesday: the Brooklyn Bike Patrol, comprised of 10 volunteers and founder Jay Ruiz, will pedal around Park Slope and Prospect Heights from about 8 p.m. to midnight and make stops at five subway stations to offer women a lift to nearby destinations.
“We just want the monsters to stop already. It’s so bad to see women getting attacked,” Ruiz told the Daily News, which first reported the bike escort service. “The cops can’t be everywhere. Just give us a call and we’ll have someone there.”
Brooklyn Bike Patrol began offering escorts on Friday. Anyone who needs the help can call Ruiz at (718) 744-7592.
