The Hoboken Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify a suspect from an October 5th groping incident that went viral after the victim released a TikTok video that made it’s way to other social media platforms.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
At about 1:50 a.m. on Sunday, October 5th, Sgts. Daniel Grossi and Michael Losurdo, along with Police Officers Zackary Guido, Nicklas Valerius, Brian Kim, Geovanni Cruzado, Ahmed Makshat, and Stephen Chowanec responded to the 400 block of Newark Street following reports of criminal sexual contact, public safety spokeswoman Marci Rubin said.
The reports indicated that a man approached a woman, grabbed her buttocks, and then fled the area. Security footage obtained by investigators captured the individual, who was last seen walking south on Willow Avenue towards Newark Street, wearing a striped shirt.
Surveillance video and still shots are being released in an attempt to identify the person of interest.
Anyone who recognizes the individual or has information regarding this incident is asked to contact Police Officer Jessica Arebalo at 201-420-2100 ext. 3146 or ArebaloJ@hobokenpdnj.gov or Det. Luis Rodriguez at 201-420-2100 ext. 3142 or RodriguezL@hobokenpdnj.gov. All calls can remain anonymous.
Earlier this month after the victim, whose TikTok handle is Kathleen Marie, released a first hand video account of the incident, which said occurred while she was walking home from a downtown Jersey City bar, 4th Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos called for safer streets.
“What happened to this woman is unacceptable, and my heart goes out to her. No one should ever feel unsafe walking in our community,” the mayoral candidate said in a statement at the time, as HCV first reported.
“This incident is a reminder that we must take real, concrete steps to make our streets safer, especially for women and vulnerable residents.”
