Two Bronx sex assaults in two days, police say; suspect arrested in second case
Two women were attacked in Belmont and Kingsbridge in the Bronx in the early hours, with authorities reporting a suspect arrested in the second case as the NYPD notes a rise in rapes citywide and in the borough.
Two women were attacked in the Bronx in the early hours of Tuesday and Wednesday, police said, marking the borough's second such assault in as many days.
On Wednesday around 3 a.m., a 19-year-old woman sitting on a bench at Park Avenue and East 183rd Street in Belmont was approached by a man described by authorities as wearing all black with a hood up. He exposed himself, grabbed her and raped her, according to the NYPD. The suspect fled the scene; the victim declined medical attention at the scene. Surveillance video linked to the incident shows the suspect in street clothes moving away from the area as officers sought tips from the public.
In a separate incident earlier Tuesday, about 5:30 a.m., a 33-year-old woman was attacked on Broadway near West 230th Street in Kingsbridge when a man approached from behind, grabbed her neck, punched her in the face and forced himself on her, authorities said. The suspect in that case was identified as Nicholas Dejesus, 42, who was on parole for robbery. He was arrested roughly 12 hours later and charged with rape, sexual abuse, assault and harassment.
Police said the Wednesday attack was captured in footage released by the department, with investigators noting the suspect wore all black and a hood at the time. The NYPD is continuing to ask for tips from anyone who may have information about either incident.
Rapes are up this year in both the Bronx and the city overall. Through the reporting period, the Bronx has logged 380 rapes, a 27.5 percent increase from 298 at the same point in 2024, according to NYPD data. Citywide, 1,484 rapes have been reported across the five boroughs, about a 21 percent rise from 1,182 during the same period in 2024.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. Investigations into both cases remain active, and prosecutors have filed charges in the second incident. No further details about potential additional suspects were released.
Finally, a third image of the NYPD at the scene accompanies this report for reference purposes.
