The New York Police Department’s Special Victims Unit is on the lookout for a man accused of groping a 5-year-old girl near a migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan. The shelter, located at the Roosevelt Hotel, is funded by the City of New York and serves as a temporary home for migrant families. According to local news outlet 1010 WINS, the girl and her mother, whose identities have not been disclosed, are residents of this shelter.
The incident reportedly took place on December 24 at around 7 p.m. near the intersection of 5th Avenue and 46th Street, just a block away from the Roosevelt Hotel. The New York Police Department has not released any details about the suspect’s identity but confirmed the ongoing investigation. It remains unclear whether the suspect also resides at the Roosevelt Hotel. Reports from 1010 WINS suggest that the suspect is known to both the girl and her mother.
Following the alleged incident, the child was taken to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan for medical evaluation. The case has drawn attention due to its proximity to the Roosevelt Hotel, which has become a focal point for migrant activities since its conversion into a shelter and processing center in May 2023. The hotel is often referred to as a “modern Ellis Island” and has seen a significant rise in crime and violence in the surrounding area.
The area near the Roosevelt Hotel has also been linked to gang-related activity, particularly involving the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Although the police have not indicated that the suspect in this case has any gang affiliations, the area has experienced violent incidents in recent months.
On December 5, a 17-year-old, Yeremi Colino, was fatally stabbed in what authorities believe was a gang-related confrontation. Another individual, 18-year-old Alan Magalles Bello, was also stabbed during the same incident but survived. Colino was allegedly associated with “Diablos de la 42,” a gang tied to Tren de Aragua.
As the investigation continues, concerns about safety near the Roosevelt Hotel remain high. The New York Police Department has yet to establish any connection between this incident and the ongoing gang activity in the area. Residents and local authorities are calling for increased security measures to protect vulnerable populations in and around the shelter.
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates.
Archer Bannister is a journalist with 4 years of experience covering hard-hitting stories. Currently working with Mikeandjonpodcast, Archer specializes in delivering timely and in-depth updates on a variety of topics, including crime news, politics, and national issues affecting the USA. His expertise and dedication to delivering accurate, impactful news make him a trusted voice for audiences seeking to stay informed on critical topics.
