The NYPD has released a surveillance video showing five men suspected in the brutal gang rape of an 18-year-old girl. The video was recorded by a surveillance camera at a bodega in Brooklyn prior to the rape.
The victim was sexually assaulted by five men Thursday in Osborne Park, according to the NYPD press release. Detectives said the rape occurred at about 9:10 p.m. in the park, which is near Lott Avenue and Osborne Street.
Four of the five suspects are in police custody, the New York Daily News reports. Their names have not been released because they are all under the age of 17. Two of the suspects are 14, two are 15 and one is 17, the NYPD says. They are claiming the victim consented.
The 18-year-old victim was with her father when they were approached by five black males. One of the men had a gun and he pointed it at the them, telling the father to leave the park, police said.
The five men then each took turns raping the victim after her father left, according to police. Her father returned to the park with two uniformed officers and the five suspects fled. The woman was taken to Kings County Hospital, where she was traeated and released.
Police were hoping the surveillance video will help them identify the suspects.
“Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS,” the NYPD said. “The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.”
Local officials have questioned why the alleged rape wasn’t publicized until Sunday, several days after it occurred.
