SUNNYSIDE — A man who fled the 7 train after rubbing his groin against an off-duty police officer was arrested a day later because he left his backpack and phone behind, the NYPD said.
The 27-year-old suspect — identified only by his last name, Kamruzzaman — approached the 36-year-old officer on the subway train shortly after 10 a.m. Friday, officials said.
The officer told investigators she felt something touch her and turned around to see Kamruzzaman with an erection, the criminal complaint said.
The woman identified herself as a police officer and stated that the suspect was "molesting" her before attempting to restrain Kamruzzaman, the complaint added.
He resisted, flailing his arms and twisting himself away from her, before fleeing the train at the 40th Street station in Sunnyside, where he was seen captured on surveillance footage running shirtless down the street.
However, Kamruzzaman left his phone and backpack behind when he fled the scene, according to a tweet by Transit Bureau Chief Joseph Fox.
This pervert picked the wrong victim- Fled leaving behind his backpack, phone, his DNA, & his dignity. Transit SVU Dets got him within hrs! https://t.co/LHMj3Fkn22
— Chief Joseph Fox (@NYPDTransit) August 6, 2017
The off-duty officer was taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital for bruising and pain to her hands and knees she sustained during the scuffle, according to police.
Kamruzzaman was arrested Saturday and charged with second and third degree assault, forcible touching, third degree sexual abuse, obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and public lewdness, the complaint added.
His defense attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment on Monday.
