The Rye Police Department issued a warning to residents Thursday of a registered sex offender “frequenting the area” after receiving a suspicious report earlier in the week.
Two teens reported an encounter with 29-year-old Wale Gai at the Rye Public Library on Nov. 13. Police said the encounter was “non-criminal.”
When Rye detectives interviewed Gai, he indicated that he is homeless and goes to the library often. Lt. Detective Michael Anfuso said the man claims to be mute, so he was communicating with the teens by showing them something on his phone. Anfuso said “he had typed on the screen asking if they [the teens] wanted to be friends,” and then “both declined and walked away.”
Upon further investigation, detectives determined Gai is a registered Level 2 sex offender who was convicted of rape on June 11, 2019. In New York, there are three classifications of sex offenders: Level 1 being low risk to repeat offense; Level 2 being moderate risk; and Level 3 being high risk.
Chris Shoemaker, the director of the Rye Free Reading Room, told The Record the library has specific protocol for suspicious incidents – especially those involving children.
After the police identified the individual, the library filled out a trespassing complaint barring Gai from any future access to the library, Shoemaker said.
“Staff have been notified to call the police immediately if he is seen in the area,” he added.
Shoemaker also said the library has policies to prevent unaccompanied adults in the Teen Room, Children’s Room, and Discovery Zone – and that staff monitor those specific areas.
Photo Camille Botello
Photo Camille Botello
Photo courtesy Rye Police Department
Gai is a 5’9″ Black man with brown eyes and a slim build, police reported. Cops are urging people to be vigilant and talk to their children about safety.
“Remain aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately,” police said in their advisory. “Discuss personal safety measures with your children and emphasize the importance of reporting any inappropriate behavior.”
This story was updated at 4:07 p.m. on Nov. 14 with information on the communication between Gai and the teens at the library.