A string of late-night assaults has left the residents of Park Slope, near Prospect Park, on edge. Between July 27 and August 14, at least four women have reported being groped by an unidentified man, who has been dubbed the “Park Slope Prowler” by locals. The assailant reportedly approaches women, grabs their buttocks, and then flees into the night.
One of the victims, a woman in her 30s who has resided in the neighborhood since 2020, expressed her fear that the assailant’s actions could escalate. She was assaulted while walking her dog on Prospect Park West at First Street, just before 1 a.m. The force of the attack caused her to lose her balance and drop her dog’s leash. She urged other women in the area to be vigilant.
The other attacks took place on July 27 on Berkeley Place between 6th and 7th Avenues, August 9 on Eighth Street at Eighth Avenue, and August 13 on Fifth Street between Eighth Avenue and Prospect Park West. In each instance, the assailant approached the women from behind and grabbed them forcefully.
A 32-year-old victim, who had only moved to Park Slope three months prior to her assault on August 13, shared that the incident had shattered her sense of security in the neighborhood. She now refrains from walking alone after 7:30 p.m.
All four incidents have been reported to the NYPD. The victims described the assailant as being between 5-foot-8 and 5-10, dressed in all black, with straight black hair and a medium to light complexion. The NYPD has not commented on whether any potential suspects have been identified or questioned.
There are also suspicions among residents that the same individual may be responsible for seven incidents reported around Christmas near Prospect Park. In those cases, a similarly described individual was either seen following women home while masturbating or caught peeping into apartment windows.
City Council Member Shahana Hanif, who has been a vocal critic of the NYPD, has requested increased patrols in the area, especially during the evening hours when the incidents have been most frequent. Meanwhile, residents are taking precautions, with some texting their roommates when they are coming home late and others advising friends to be more alert and avoid wearing headphones while walking in the area.