Police continue search for state park rapist

The hunt continues for the man who reportedly raped a woman in the Valley Stream State Park last weekend, and who may be tied to other attacks in the area.

Several law enforcement agencies are working together to apprehend the suspect, who police say raped a 60-year-old woman in the southern end of the park on Sept. 1 at about 11:10 a.m. According to police, the same man could be responsible for two other sexual assaults in the area in August, though officials have not officially made that connection. “We are awaiting forensic testing to determine if that’s so,” said Nassau County Police spokesman Inspector Kenneth Lack.

On Aug. 12, a man forced his way into a home on Lois Place near the Lynbrook-Valley Stream border at 8:45 p.m. Police say he grabbed a 58-year-old woman over her jeans, then attempted to remove her pants before choking her. The victim was able to call out, and got the attention of a neighbor who called police. The man fled on his bicycle.

About 20 minutes later, a man on a bicycle approached a 30-year-old woman walking southbound on Mill Road in Valley Stream. Police say he grabbed the woman’s buttocks from behind. She ran westbound on Jedwood Place, but the suspect caught up to her, pushing her to the ground and then punching her in the face. Police say he then attempted to rip off of the woman’s shirt. He then fled on his bicycle and the woman was treated at an area hospital for scrapes and cuts.

The series of attacks has raised concerns among government and law enforcement officials, as well as residents. The incidents are being investigated by the New York State Parks Police and Nassau County Police.

State Parks Police has stepped up its presence at the Valley Stream State Park. Nassau County Police, along with the Lynbrook, Malverne and Rockville Centre village police departments, are also on heightened watch to prevent further attacks. Valley Stream Mayor Ed Fare said Public Safety and Auxiliary Police officers are also on alert.

Corey Pegues, of the Law Enforcement Alliance, a group of a half-dozen police organizations, said members of the group will do more patrols at the State Park and surrounding area, and will notify police of any suspicious activity. He said the community needs to help in the fight against crime. “There’s just not enough manpower to cover the ground,” he said. “Who would think at the Valley stream State Park, there would be a rape in broad daylight?

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS or New York State Parks Police at (631) 321-3700.