CM James and Community Speak Out On Recent Sexual Assaults; 88th Precinct Community Council Addresses Residential Concerns

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
February 15, 2011

Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183

NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT RECENT SPATE OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS IN BROOKLYN: 88TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING ON 2/15 WILL ADDRESS

Police have linked two recent sexual attacks in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, to a similar attack that happened earlier last month in Bensonhurst. On January 19, a sexual predator attempted to rape a 25-year-old woman near the corner of St. Felix Street and Hanson Place.

The woman was walking past the busy corner at 1:30 am when the suspect grabbed her from behind, and tried to tear off her clothing. But, the sex fiend ran away once the victim began to yell for help, and fortunately the woman was unharmed. A week later, according to police, this attacker’s efforts were once again thwarted on January 26, when a passerby interrupted his attempt to assault a 24-year-old woman near the intersection of Fulton and Cumberland Streets at 1:15 am.

“Fort Greene is a village-like community,” said Council Member James. “These kinds of incidents are extremely disturbing because this area has grown much safer in recent years, and residents feel they should be able to travel around without incident.”

The 88th Precinct reported a decline in rapes by 85-percent during the last 10 years. Also, the Fort Greene Association headed by chair Paul Palazzo, and Council Member James are working with the City to improve lighting conditions within the community. The installation of more video cameras is also under consideration.

“The community is making it known that these incidents are unacceptable, and this level of crime will not become the new normal,” said Mr. Palazzo, who has lived in Fort Greene more than 27 years. “On behalf of FGA, I would like to commend the 88th Precinct Police on the overall reduction of crime this past decade.”

According to the 88th Precinct, the Special Victims Unit is heading up this investigation because they handle all sexual crimes. The community is invited to attend their monthly meetings; February’s meeting begins at 7pm (this evening). The event is taking place at the Institutional Church of God in Christ, located on 170 Adelphi Street between Myrtle and Willoughby Avenues.

“It’s critical that everyone be hyper-aware of their surroundings to protect themselves while on the streets. I encourage residents to attend local Precinct Community Council meetings held monthly. Also, a Public Safety Task Force is now in place, which my office helped to form last year and seeks to foster community involvement. Please call my office for more information, or to be added to the task force e-mail list,” said Council Member James.

Police described the attacker as a white man of around 30 to 35 years. He is between 5-foot-11 and 6-feet in height and of medium build, with light hair. He wore a dark pea coat with a light colored button-down shirt

Please see more information here.

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