The NYPD had been asking for the public’s help identifying the person seen in this video who department officials said was sought for questioning in connection with an attempted rape and assault on the border of Belmont and Fordham Heights on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

 

Police said a 36-year-old man has been arrested following an assault and attempted rape of a 68-year-old woman on the border of Belmont and Fordham Heights.

 

As reported, the New York City Police Department had been asking for the public’s help identifying the person seen in the attached video and photo who department officials said was sought in connection with the incident.

 

Police said that on Saturday, April 22, at around 6.04 a.m., the female victim was approached from behind by an unidentified individual in the vicinity of East 189th Street and Webster Avenue. A police spokesperson said, “The individual [allegedly] choked the victim, forced her into a garage, and attempted to remove her clothing but was unable to do so.”

 

The spokesperson added, “The individual forced the victim to perform oral sex on him before he fled southbound on 3rd Avenue. The victim was removed to an area hospital by EMS to be treated for her injuries.”

 

The suspect was described as male, was between 5 feet, 2 inches and 5 feet, 5 inches tall, had a heavy build, and was last seen wearing an orange, hooded sweatshirt and dark blue jeans.

 

On Friday, April 28, pursuant to what was described as an ongoing investigation, police said Angel Roque of Beaumont Avenue in Belmont was arrested on Thursday April 27, at 3.30 p.m. in the 48th Precinct which covers Belmont, East Tremont, West Farms. Fordham University’s Bronx campus, Arthur Avenue, the Cross Bronx Expressway and Crotona Park.

 

Roque was charged with attempted rape, a criminal sex act, sex abuse, criminal obstruction of breathing, and stalking. When asked if Roque was the person sought and pictured above, a police spokesperson replied, “It is believed so.”

 

A person arrested and charged with a crime is deemed innocent unless and until convicted in a a court of law.

 

Check out our previous story for some ways to help reduce the risk of stalking.

 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on Twitter @NYPDTips.

 

All calls are strictly confidential.