MAN WITH VAN SOUGHT IN SEX ATTACKS ON GIRLS

Leonel Solis, 32 year old sexual predator who tries to trick girls into entering his van by promising them a free cell phone, is being hunted by police.  He allegedly raped one girl and sexually abused another in two incidents earlier this year in Harlem and the Bronx.  In the first attack on May 4, he lured a 15 year old girl into his white minivan with Ohio plates near Claremont Park in the Bronx by offering her a phone.  Once inside the van, he tried to talk her into having sex but when she refused, he raped her.  On June 3, he persuaded a 12 year old girl to get in the van on Old Broadway and W. 125th St, then abused her at knifepoint, but she fled before he could rape her.  Solis was in custody earlier this month after being arrested for exposing himself while he had a girl in the back of the van near Claremont Park.  But charges were dropped when the girl said she never felt in danger during the October 7 incident.  Solis was born in the Dominican Republic, he is 5' 7, 165 lbs, has brown hair and brown eyes.  Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

(New York)