At approximately 4 p.m. on Monday, two 13-year-old girls reported that a man pulled up to them in a Honda sedan at the intersection of Cowles Avenue and Intervale Place in Rye, asking for directions toward Boston Post Road. As a result, police have increased their patrols in the area all week, as they continue to search for their suspect.
According to police, the girls did not notice anything suspicious initially, until they realized that he was following them and masturbating. The teenagers ran north on Cowles Avenue, away from the suspect, who turned left onto Intervale Place and fled.
The suspect has been described as a white male in his late 20s, with short dark hair that may have a red tint to it, an unshaven face and five o’clock shadow. He was wearing a light blue T-shirt and jeans when he approached the girls, who noted that he had crooked teeth and needed braces, helping police narrow their search. He speaks clear English with no accent.
On Thursday, after several days delving into every possible detail, police released a sketch of the suspect that has been disseminated throughout the community.
When describing the vehicle, the girls described a white spoiler on the rear of the trunk and black pin striping on the side. They called the car, “tricked out.”
Following the “lewdness incident,” Rye Police Commissioner Michael Corcoran, Jr. praised the teenagers for thinking quickly under pressure while maintaining their safety, noting that their descriptions will help move the investigation along swiftly.
“These young ladies did exactly what a young person should do, observe, run away and immediately contact police,” he said in a statement. “In today’s day and age, there is no reason that an adult should be asking a child for directions, wanting to show or offer them a puppy, give them candy, offer them money, offer them a train ride or anything else on a public street.
“These are always red flags, cause for concern and warrant immediate notification to police.”
The investigation into Monday’s incident is ongoing. Anyone with information can contact the Rye Police Department at (914) 967-1234 and request the Detective Division. Tips can also be provided anonymously by calling the Tip Line at (914) 760-4243
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