May 21, 2025

QUEENS, NY – A terrifying ordeal in Forest Park on Monday saw a heroic father rescue his 11-year-old daughter from an alleged attempted sexual assault and kidnapping. The swift actions of the 37-year-old dad thwarted the attack, leading to the quick arrest of the suspect.

The incident unfolded just before 5 p.m. as the father and daughter enjoyed a bike ride through Forest Park, near the intersection of Myrtle Avenue and Woodhaven Boulevard. Police sources indicate the young girl had pedaled ahead and veered off the main path, momentarily out of her father's immediate sight.

According to the NYPD, 44-year-old Teddy Moussignac, allegedly lurking in the bushes near the more secluded Victory Field area of the park, suddenly ambushed the girl. He is accused of knocking her off her bike, covering her nose and mouth, threatening her, and then dragging her away.

Moussignac, a Brooklyn resident, allegedly punched the struggling girl and began to fondle her as he pulled her deeper into the park.

Fortunately, the girl's father quickly realized something was wrong when he came upon her overturned bike. His immediate shouts and rush to her aid startled the attacker. Moussignac fled the scene but was apprehended shortly after by two alert police officers in the vicinity.

Charges and Suspect Information:

Teddy Moussignac has been charged with a litany of serious offenses, including:

• Kidnapping
• Sex abuse of a victim under 13
• Criminal obstruction of breathing
• Forcible touching of intimate parts
• Endangering the welfare of a child
• Assault
• Harassment

While Moussignac reportedly has one prior sealed arrest, details are currently unavailable.

The young victim was transported to Jamaica Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the attack.

Helayne Seidman

Community Concerns Over Park Safety:

The incident has reignited concerns among local residents about safety in certain areas of Forest Park. Brandon Ziegenfuss, a 42-year-old parent who raised his children nearby, expressed his long-standing worries.

"There was always something crazy happening," Ziegenfuss stated, describing the more remote sections of the park as "overrun with weirdos." He also voiced a common sentiment that police presence often seems more concentrated in the more affluent areas of the park, rather than those prone to such incidents.

This harrowing event serves as a stark reminder for park-goers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in less frequented areas. The rapid response of this courageous father undoubtedly prevented a far worse outcome.