PROSPECT-LEFFERTS GARDENS — Police have identified a man they believe is responsible for repeatedly spitting on residents in the neighborhood, local investigators said Tuesday.
The serial spitter — who allegedly spit in the faces of multiple adults and children along Flatbush Avenue in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens in recent months — was brought in for questioning this week by the 71st Precinct, according to an alert sent out by police Tuesday afternoon.
The man was not arrested, however, because “the crimes he had committed were violations and were not subject to arrest,” the message read. Instead, police said, he was referred to King County Hospital for a psychological evaluation.
“These crimes were documented under Harassment violations and are not arrestable offenses unless witness[ed] by a Police Officer,” wrote Detective Vincent Martinos of the Community Affairs division.
The precinct is in touch with the family of the man, he said, and will “provide any additional assistance that may be needed.”
Accounts of the spitting incidents on a neighborhood Facebook group ranged from late October to as recently as Dec. 27; at least four reports of the problem included the man targeting young children walking with adults.
Residents who see similar behavior in the area can call the 71st Precinct at 718-735-0527.
