From gothamist.com

[Patcat]

The incident is pretty horrible, but the comments at the end are interesting. This is from gothamist.com


ournalist/Sexual Assault Suspect's Reign of Terror
Police are still looking for Peter Braunstein, the man suspected attacking a former co-worker in her Chelsea apartment as he disguised himself as a firefighter. Police continue to say that they believe Braunstein "is enjoying" the attention, but are concerned he may attack again. The Post reports that security at Fairchild Publications, where WWD, Details, Jane, W, and other pubs are headquarters and where he used to work, has been increased, with extra guards "at times stationing themselves outside the women's bathrooms." Further, Braunstein may be familiar wtih some police tactics as he would study his videos of how the police acted during public protests.

Braunstein's ex-girlfriend, the one he harrassed for over a year, sent a frightened email to friends saying, "I want you to know that I am OK and I have to lay low," as police are concerned he may target her. She is apparently "in a safe location outside the city." Braunstein was staying at a Super 8 on West 46th Street, but left last Wednesday. Some people have spotted him, but police think he may try to leave the city, as he just got a new passport.

We hope Braunstein is apprehended soon, but we also can't help but wonder which Law & Order this story will be on. The kinkiness seems to lend itself to Special Victims Unit, but the stalking angle and elevating-him-to-Dr. Moriarty heights makes us wonder if Criminal Intent will tackle the case. Either way, as long as we see Christopher Meloni and Ice-T or Vincent D'Onofrio and Chris Noth taking time to make the perp wish for castration.

Patcat

[janetcatbird]

Am I the only one who gets freaked out that they release a suspect's name in the main media? I guess it's different if it's confirmed and there's a manhunt under way, but just the thought of "So-and-so's treating his girlfriend like dirt" makes me wary. Again, there's a line between general butt-headedness and dangerous criminal activity, which I acknowledge. Still...

Hoo boy, those would be interesting choices for the detectives! Still, why can't Munch be an option for scaring the bejeezus out of him? Considering Munch got to be close with a victim who got killed by her stalker, he especially would have reason to get worked up. Or is it sad that peopl's thoughts with a crime go automatically to "Which L&O series will rip this headline?" Are we just part of the problem of exploitative media?

--Catbird

[Sirenna]

I really think if she's in hiding from her friends and sending desparate emails, she's harrassed. It's him that thinks it's positive attention or boys will be boys 'butheadedness'.