FLUSHING, Queens (WABC) — A “strong man” has been taken into custody over the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Kissena Park.
The man was identified as a 25-year-old immigrant from Ecuador who was seen around 1 a.m. by community members who recognized him from a video released by police.
He was recognized by members of the community and held until police were called. Charges have not yet been filed.
Police credit old-fashioned detective work: canvassing neighborhoods, putting up posters and organizing the community.
“The city declined,” said Patrol Chief John Chell. “The community response was great and that's what you wanted.”
Police credited the victim and her 13-year-old classmate, who was also taken, with providing a description of the man and a distinctive tattoo that allowed a quality sketch to be created.
“Between the courageous actions of those kids, who are scarred for life, and the community that lifts this man up from the streets,” Chell said.
Last week, two teens' playtime turned into a nightmare when police said a man approached the two 13-year-olds with a knife and forced them into the woods.
Police say he then snatched their mobile phones, tied their wrists and then sexually assaulted the girl.
Investigators recovered the shoe laces used to tie the children's hands, as well as a water bottle left behind by the accused rapist.
These new developments come after the New York police announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
Police say the suspect has been arrested multiple times before, as well as served a few summonses in New York City since entering the country in 2021.
Chell and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry appeared on Eyewitness News Mornings @ 10 to talk about the case and the community's response.
NYPD officials spoke about the man taken into custody in connection with the rape of a 13-year-old girl in Queens.
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