Bystanders held Queens rape suspect until police arrived: NYPD

QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Bystanders recognized a man suspected of raping a 13-year-old in a Queens park and held him until police arrived, NYPD Assistant Chief of the Detectives Bureau Jason Savino told PIX11 News Tuesday morning.

The suspected attacker was taken into custody thanks to a 911 call, but he has not yet been charged, police said. People on the street recognized the suspect based on photos and sketches released by the NYPD, according to Savino.

"Individuals felt very strongly, almost like they knew him, that they recognized him... and held him pending police arrival," Savino said.

The hunt had been on since Thursday when the man allegedly approached a boy and girl, both 13, near Kissena Park near Colden Street and Kalmia Avenue with a large knife and forced them into the park, according to the NYPD. The suspect tied the children up with a shoelace before sexually assaulting the 13-year-old girl, police said. He then took their cellphones and told them to wait 20 minutes before leaving the area, authorities said.

Police released a sketch of the suspected attacker and his tattoo shortly after, offering a $10,000 reward for tips that led to his arrest. The NYPD canvassed the area tirelessly over the weekend and, on Monday, released new surveillance images and video of the suspect.

"When it comes to our community, we have to work together," Savino said. "This case at a case at a glance was as challenging as they come."