Queens, NY – The New York Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect wanted for endangering the welfare of a child after an early-morning encounter with a 13-year-old boy in Elmhurst.
According to police, the incident happened around 6:45 a.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in front of 43-03 76th Street. The victim, a 13-year-old male, was walking along the sidewalk when an unidentified individual approached, grabbed him, and made lewd statements.
Police say a bystander who witnessed the incident quickly intervened, prompting the suspect to flee the scene on foot. The suspect’s direction of travel is unknown, and the victim was not physically injured.
Authorities have not yet released a detailed description of the suspect but are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant surveillance footage to come forward.
The case is being investigated by the NYPD’s Special Victims Division. Officials praised the quick action of the bystander who stepped in to protect the child, calling it an example of community members working together to keep neighborhoods safe.
Anyone with information is urged to contact NYPD Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted confidentially online at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or through X (formerly Twitter) at @NYPDTips.
Key Points: NYPD seeks suspect who grabbed 13-year-old boy – Queens
- Police say the incident occurred at about 6:45 a.m. near 43-03 76th Street in Elmhurst.
- A bystander intervened after the suspect grabbed the 13-year-old and made lewd statements.
- The NYPD is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.