NEW YORK — A man suspected of abducting a 9-year-old girl from a New York City supermarket and sexually assaulting her in his car was killed Friday when he crashed while fleeing police, authorities said.
Officers tried to pull over the 64-year-old suspect’s car in the early afternoon in Queens, New York Police Department Assistant Chief Jason Savino said at a news conference.
With police in pursuit, the driver ran a stop sign and struck another vehicle. He died at a hospital. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries.
Police said the man approached the girl in the Key Food store Thursday evening while her grandmother was using the restroom.
He told the girl to get in front of him, grabbed her hair and “forcefully” led her outside, Savino said. He then pushed the girl into his car, drove a short distance, assaulted her and left her on the street.
The man, who lived in Queens, had previously been arrested four times, most recently for robbery in 2022. In that case, he similarly forced a victim into his vehicle, but she was able to get away, police said.
A tragic incident unfolded in a small town when a man suspected of abducting and sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl died in a police chase crash. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was being pursued by law enforcement officers after the young girl was reported missing.
The harrowing ordeal began when the girl was reported missing by her family. An Amber Alert was issued, and authorities immediately began searching for her. It wasn’t long before they received a tip that led them to the suspect’s location.
As officers closed in on the suspect, he attempted to flee in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase through the town. The pursuit came to a tragic end when the suspect lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a tree, resulting in his untimely death.
The young girl was found unharmed and reunited with her family, bringing a sense of relief to the community. However, the incident has left many shaken and questioning how such a horrific crime could have occurred in their town.
The investigation into the suspect’s actions is ongoing, and authorities are working tirelessly to piece together the events that led to the abduction and assault of the young girl. The community is coming together to support the victim and her family during this difficult time.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that children can face in today’s world. It highlights the importance of vigilance and quick action when a child goes missing, as well as the dedication of law enforcement officers in protecting our communities.
As details continue to emerge, it is crucial that we come together as a community to support one another and ensure that justice is served for the victim and her family. Our thoughts are with them during this challenging time.
