Police Warn Public After Release of Man Accused of Harassing Women

Rochester Authorities Warn Public About Alleged Stalker

The Rochester Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office are urging residents to remain vigilant following the arrest of Oleksandr Levytskyy, a 29-year-old man from Irondequoit, who is accused of stalking and harassing multiple women. Officials have emphasized the importance of personal safety, particularly for individuals walking alone.

Captain Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department stated, “We want people to be aware to protect themselves. So if you see him, obviously take protective steps. Especially females, where they're walking by themselves.”

Levytskyy was recently arraigned on two counts of harassment and trespassing. He was released from custody after being arrested for allegedly following a woman to work at Cafe Sasso on Park Avenue and making unwanted sexual comments. According to Bello, the incident left the woman visibly uncomfortable.

“He had ridden up behind her on a bicycle and began making unwanted sexual comments to her, her comments of a sexual nature to her,” Bello explained. “They obviously made her uncomfortable.”

This is not the first time Levytskyy has been involved in such incidents. He was previously arrested on July 10 for allegedly harassing someone on a trail near the Erie Canal in Pittsford. Town Supervisor Bill Smith noted that there have been several recent reports of a man stalking women along the canal.

Bello expressed frustration over the situation, stating, “It's a frustration, because here's a chronic — this is two offenses in less than a month.” Under New York state law, the court was required to release Levytskyy due to the nature of the charges, which are typically considered appearance ticket-type crimes.

Impact on Local Business and Community

Jessica, the owner of Cafe Sasso, shared how the incident affected her business. She mentioned that it was the first day on the job for the employee who was harassed. “She comes in and she's kind of pale, and she's like, 'This just happened to me on my way in,'" Jessica said. “And we're like, 'Honey, it's OK, like, you know, weird things happen on Park Ave.,' like, not thinking, just thinking it's like a guy flirting with her.”

However, the situation escalated when Levytskyy appeared and began arguing with them before throwing a drink. After they went outside, he continued to argue until police arrived and took him into custody.

“We're all on edge,” Jessica said. “I mean, like, you know, we're always on edge.”

To address the growing concerns, employees at Cafe Sasso have started using a buddy system, especially when working outdoors. Jessica expressed worry about the lack of consequences for Levytskyy. “They keep letting them out, so that's an extra level of fear because, for him, there's no repercussion, or at least (it) appears so.”

Enhanced Security Measures

In response to the incidents, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) has announced plans to enhance security in designated areas. The sheriff’s office will utilize video surveillance, UTV and bike patrols, as well as mounted units to ensure public safety. MCSO also stated it will monitor Levytskyy’s public activities and collaborate with partners to connect him with long-term solutions and appropriate resources.

The MCSO statement read: “We share the community’s concerns and will be enhancing security measures in designated areas, utilizing video surveillance, UTV and bike patrols and mounted units. We have investigators assigned exclusively who are tasked with reviewing all potential violations of the law; past and present.”

Additionally, the sheriff’s office has reached out to the Canal Authority for assistance and is working with local police departments to enforce zero tolerance for any violations of the law. In the near term, they will observe Levytskyy’s activities while in public and continue efforts to mitigate future negative activity.

Call for Public Vigilance

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about crime or suspicious activity to call 911. Authorities believe there may be additional victims and urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Residents are advised to remain cautious and report any unusual behavior to law enforcement. As the community continues to grapple with these events, the focus remains on ensuring safety and preventing further incidents.