An illegal immigrant from Ecuador is now in NYPD custody after a horrific sex attack that took place in broad daylight at a popular park in Queens. According to sources, the man approached two 13-year-olds, a boy, and a girl, tied them up, and proceeded to rape the girl. The incident occurred at Kissena Park, not far from Citi Field and the site of the 1964 World’s Fair.
The suspect, who entered the country illegally in 2021, was arrested on Monday evening in connection with the crime. Residents who recognized him from a wanted poster subdued him and called 911. The suspect was found with ripped clothes, missing a shoe, and bruised up.
Police had been offering a $10,000 reward in the case after obtaining surveillance video showing the suspect on a bicycle. Thanks to the help of the public and good police work, the suspect was apprehended. The two teens were walking in the park when the man in his 20s approached them with a machete, forced them into a wooded area, and carried out the assault. He then stole their cellphones and fled the scene.
The suspect, a male Hispanic in his 20s with braces and a tattoo of a horned animal with red eyes on his chest, had prior low-level offenses such as subway fare jumping and public drinking. Retired NYPD sergeant Joseph Giacalone emphasized the importance of enforcing minor crimes, as it not only deters future offenses but also helps gather intelligence to track down individuals who commit more serious crimes.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure the safety of communities. The swift apprehension of the suspect in this case was made possible by the collaboration between residents, surveillance footage, and effective police work. Authorities continue to investigate the case to ensure that justice is served for the victims and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.