Police Seek Man Suspected of Groping Women in Queens

Police are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect who they say has forcibly touched several women in a sexual manner in Queens.

Investigators on Sunday released images of the suspect taken by a surveillance camera on the night of two recent incidents.

The suspect accosted a 25-year-old woman just after midnight on Thursday on 46 Street in Astoria, police said. He pushed her up against a car and, touched her genitals over her clothing and fled when she shouted for help, police said.

Minutes later and about a block away, the man did the same to a 26-year-old woman, police said.

Women in the neighborhood said the attacks have made them more aware of their safety.

"It's good to know about this. It's always good to be reminded all the time that anything can happen at any point, just to be a little bit aware," Astoria resident Jen Bloomberg said.

"I'm actually thinking about taking a self defense class, just to take it a step further as a woman," Astoria resident Megan Jett said. "Just to feel more empowered to be able to take care of myself."