Man Sought In NYE Sex Assaults In Chelsea, NYPD Says

CHELSEA, NY - Authorities are looking for a man wanted in two separate sexual assault incidents reported less than two hours apart on New Year’s Eve in Chelsea.

Christopher Marrero, 23, has been identified as the suspect sought in both cases, police said.

The first victim was standing near the intersection of 16th Street and Fifth Avenue at about 10:10 a.m. when Marrero followed the 21-year-old woman, grabbed her and tried to drag her into a secluded area, police said.

The victim was able to escape his grip and did not report any physical injuries as a result of the assault, police said.

Less than two hours later, Marrero followed a 24-year-old woman near 14th Street and Fifth Avenue into an area restroom and tried to take her clothing off, police said.

The victim was able to exit the restroom and Marrero fled on foot to Fifth Avenue, police said. The second victim also didn’t report any injuries as a result of the assault.

Anyone with information in regard to the incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).