Police hunting for subway passenger 'caught rubbing genitals on sleeping girl'

Police in New York City are searching for a man they believe has committed a serious sexual assault, after a video emerged of him rubbing his genitals on a sleeping girl on a subway train.

The teenager was unconscious while travelling on the 7 train bound for Queens when the man, who has not yet been identified, seemingly started pressing his body up against her head and torso. The passenger is now wanted by authorities on sexual abuse charges, and police have appealed to the public to provide any relevant information.

Check out the recording of the crime below (some may find this footage distressing):

The disturbing incident, which was recorded on a smartphone, occurred at around 3.45 pm on Sunday, May 26, near Junction Boulevard station in Corona. The suspect appears to be in his late teens or early twenties and looks to be around five foot eleven inches, wearing a black turtleneck, grey shorts and grey sneakers.

The official NYPD Crime Stoppers page tweeted out: WANTED for a Sexual Abuse while onboard a Queens Bound "7" train @ Junction Blvd station #Corona #Queens @NYPD108Pct on 05/26/19 @ 3:45 PM Reward up to $2500 Seen him? Know who he is? Call 1-800-577-TIPS or DM us! Calls are CONFIDENTIAL! #YourCityYourCall"

According to the testimony of the person who recorded the alleged crime, the man in question was challenged about his supposedly-deviant behaviour, but he fled the scene at the Junction Boulevard stop. Police are now offering a reward of up to of $2,500 for information about the man’s identity and whereabouts.

If you or anyone else you know have anything relevant to share, please contact Crimestoppers on their confidential service on 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or tweet their account @NYPDTips.