An illegal immigrant from Ecuador is currently in NYPD custody following a disturbing incident in which he allegedly carried out a sex attack in broad daylight at a popular park in Queens. The suspect, armed with a machete, reportedly approached two 13-year-olds - a boy and a girl - tied them together by the wrists, and sexually assaulted the girl, as per police sources.
An NYPD spokesperson has confirmed that a person of interest is in custody but has refrained from disclosing further details. However, law enforcement sources have revealed that an Ecuadorian man was arrested on Monday evening in connection with the crime. The individual had entered the country illegally in 2021.
The harrowing incident took place at Kissena Park, located in close proximity to Citi Field, the site of the New York Mets, and landmarks like the 1964 World's Fair and the U.S. Open. The victim was a local school student.
Following the assault, the police had offered a $10,000 reward for information, aided by surveillance footage capturing the suspect on a bicycle. The arrest was made possible after vigilant neighbors recognized the individual from a wanted poster, restrained him, and alerted authorities.
Retired NYPD sergeant and John Jay College of Criminal Justice professor, Joseph Giacalone, commended the police work involved in the case, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in such investigations.
According to reports, the two teenagers were accosted by the suspect, described as a Hispanic male in his 20s with braces and a tattoo of a horned animal with red eyes on his chest, who brandished a blade and coerced them into a wooded area. Subsequently, he allegedly stole their cellphones before fleeing the scene.
It was disclosed that the perpetrator had a history of minor offenses, including fare evasion in the subway and public drinking. The arrest was facilitated by identifying the suspect's distinctive tattoo and securing the surveillance image, coupled with community assistance.
