4 The Courier sun • september 5, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com REWARD FOR CAPTURE OF FOREST PARK RAPIST BY QUEENS COURIER STAF [email protected] The city and its police department are offering a $22,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a man who they say tasered and pushed a woman to the ground before raping her in Forest Park. The attack happened around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, August 26, when the victim, a 69-year-old woman, was approached by the suspect while she was jogging in the park, police said. The victim was taken to Queens Hospital Center, where she was treated and released. Police describe the perpetrator as white, 30 to 40 years old, about five-foot-ten, with light brown hair. He was wearing a black T-shirt, black sweat pants and is clean shaven. The NYPD has increased patrols in and around the park as cops look for the alleged rapist. In March, a 23-year-old woman was struck with a stun gun and then sexually assaulted in the park. A person was arrested, but police later said they had the wrong man. At the time, park security was increased following the incident and police presence was felt in the days after the attack. Police are still investigating and could not confirm a connection between the two sexual assaults. The recent attacks bring up ongoing safety issues in Forest Park, said Ed Wendell, president of the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, who cautioned residents to be vigilant inside the green space. He said people need to reconsider what is an isolated area. “Just because you can see Union Turnpike doesn’t mean people from Union Turnpike can see you,” he said. Wendell also said parkgoer safety can be improved with more patrols and better lighting. Large sections of Forest Park, he said, are pitch black, and he often sees early morning joggers carrying flashlights. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. Photo courtesy of NYPD This suspect is wanted for allegedly tasering then raping a woman in Forest Park on August 26. Push for speed cameras around HB schools BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] Speeding drivers will be put to a stop if one south Queens pol has his way. State Senator Joseph Addabbo is pushing for Howard Beach’s P.S. 232 and 207 to be considered for a pilot program designed to nab speedy drivers around schools. A new state law went into effect on Saturday, August 31 that permits the city to establish a five-year demonstration pilot program to monitor school speed zones citywide and allows surveillance evidence to be used to impose liability for speeding. Addabbo, who voted for the bill, said parents and school officials throughout his district have expressed concerns about speeding drivers traveling the streets in their school zones that see heavy traffic, but have inadequate trafficcalming measures. “I know there are a number of schools in my district that face unsafe street conditions each school day. I am prepared to examine every school and every method available to ensure the safety of our schoolchildren,” he said. P.S. 232 neighbors the bustling Lindenwood Shopping Center at 153rd Avenue and 83rd Street, and school staff wants to keep students safe around arrival and dismissal time. P.S. 207 parents similarly want to keep kids safe from the speeding drivers that zoom down its residential street. The new law required Addabbo submit his requests to the Department of Transportation to get the two approved cameras. He also intends to work on crossing guard areas, pedestrian crosswalks, stop signs, traffic signals and speed bumps around school zones. Through this legislation, the city can set up speed cameras in up to 20 school speed zones in each borough at any given time. Liability for violations would be imposed upon the vehicle’s owner and violations would be determined through the city Parking Violations Bureau. THE COURIER/Photo by Mike DiBartolomeo State Senator Joseph Addabbo is pushing for Howard Beach’s P.S. 232 and 207 to be considered for a pilot program designed to nab speedy drivers around schools.
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