Man Wanted For Rape Attacked Teens In Queens Park: NYPD

QUEENS, NY — Police are asking for the public's help locating a tattooed man they say forced two teenagers in a Queens park to follow him at knifepoint before tying them up and sexually assaulting the girl.

According to New York City police, the incident happened around 3:30 p.m. Thursday in Kissena Park near Colden Street and Kalmia Avenue. Police said a man with curly hair and braces approached a boy and girl, both 13 years old, before he pulled out a knife and demanded they follow him into the woods.

At a news conference reported by NBC New York, police said the man bound their wrists using a shoelace. He then sexually assaulted the girl before taking both their phones and fleeing.

According to NBC New York, police said the kids were told by the man to stay where they were for 20 minutes. Once the time was up, the kids went to their school and told administrators what happened.

Both children were taken to the hospital in stable condition, the report said.

"As a father, a member of this department for many years, this is a parent's nightmare," NYPD Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey said during the news conference, according to NBC New York. "We will spare no expense. We will use every investigative resource. And I again implore the community to help us bring closure to this case for these young children and this family."

Police described the suspect as Hispanic. He was in his 20s and was approximately 5 feet, 5 inches tall. He was wearing red sneakers and carrying a green backpack.

Authorities said he also had a tattoo of a bull or a boar on his chest.

Anyone with information should contact NYPD at 800-577-8477. Callers with information may be eligible for a reward of up to $10,000.