Editor’s Note: This story contains discussions of rape or sexual assault that may be disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, you can find help and discreet resources on the National Sexual Assault Hotline website or by calling 1-800-656-4673.
WOODHAVEN, Queens (PIX11) — One little girl’s father is truly her hero.
An 11-year-old girl was riding her bike along a path with her 31-year-old father in Forest Park, Queens on Monday just after 4:30 p.m., police say. That’s when a man suddenly snatched the girl off her bike and began dragging her into the woods, according to authorities in New York.
Officials say the man then punched the girl in her face and thigh, obstructed her breathing, and sexually assaulted her.
Upon seeing the empty bike, the girl’s father immediately jumped into action and yelled after the abductor, police tell NewsNation affiliate WPIX.
The man ran off after hearing the father’s voice but was later arrested by authorities.
Teddy Moussignac, 44, was taken into custody and faces multiple charges including kidnapping, sex abuse, assault, harassment, criminal obstruction of breathing and more.