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Child's alleged attacker out on bail

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

(Brooklyn-WABC, May 16, 2007) (WABC) -- There are new developments in a story we first told you about yesterday morning. A brave 11-year-old girl who fought off an alleged attacker. This morning, that man is back on the streets, out on bail, and the girl's family is outraged.

Eyewitness News reporter Lisa Colagrossi is live in Midwood with the story.

Xochil Garcia's parents have decided to keep the child home another day because they are concerned for their child's safety.

"We had a meeting last night. A lot of people are concerned why was he released. Fine if he posted bail, why isn't there a picture posted, so we can post it on the doors, on the buildings so these people know if he comes back what actions they can take. What they can do to protect their kids," said Herberto Rodriquez, the girls stepfather.

Even more troubling is the comments the suspect's made to police saying, "when he sees young girls he has to go after them."

"He pushed me. He grabbed my mouth and said don't scream, I couldn't bite him," said Xochil.

A frightening encounter with an alleged attacker, still fresh in this young girl's mind.

But 11-year-old Xochil Garcia may be putting on a brave face. She and her family are worried the man who attacked her may try again.

19-year-old Bernard Mutterperl of Borough Park, Brooklyn is out on bail, after allegedly chasing Xochil up the stairs of her apartment building in Midwood on Sunday and cornering her.

She fought to get away, as Mutterperl was captured by neighbors. Timothy Isaac, 25, said he was among a group of residents who caught Mutterperl.

"First I stopped him right out here on the stoop. He tried to make a run for it," said Isaac.

Family members are upset they weren't notified of Mutterperl's release.

They are now concerned for their daughters safety, and the safety of others in the building.

Another thing that Xochil's stepfather is concerned about is, they have not been provided with any sort of picture of the suspect to warn other tenants in the building on what he looks like.

However, residents said they are going to try to work together to make sure the children are safe.

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