Pre-Teen Girl Groped on Brooklyn B6 Bus

CANARSIE, BROOKLYN — Edward Lewis, 47, a resident of Bedford Avenue at Atlantic Avenue near the Bed-Stuy/Crown Heights border, has been arrested and charged for allegedly groping an 11-year-old girl earlier this week down in Canarsie, according to the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

The victim was aboard the B6 bus near Flatlands Avenue and East 80th Street on Monday, Sept. 19, at 7:45 a.m. when Lewis "grabbed" her behind, the NYPD said in a statement.

Lewis has since been charged with sex abuse and "acting in a manner injurious to a child," police said.

New York City Councilmember Laurie Cumbo took to Facebook to express her concern over women's safety in Brooklyn and her frustrations over continued street harassment in the borough. She wrote:

"I’m utterly disgusted that an 11-year-old girl was subjected to this abuse. Women are catcalled and verbally harassed on a daily basis, and it’s obvious that this form of violence against women transcends race, religion, and unfortunately, age. It’s time for us to stop perpetuating rape culture. This constant breach of verbal and physical boundaries is not okay. It’s our responsibility to not engage in these sorts of actions, and it’s also our responsibility to speak out against those who do. It’s not cool to grope women. It’s not cool to take advantage of crowded spaces or public transportation to inappropriately touch someone. It’s not cool to make lewd comments about people’s bodies as they walk down the street. Women, let’s continue to stand up against this behavior. Men, I implore you to discourage your fellow males from engaging in these actions!"

Lead image courtesy of the NYPD