"The detectives beside me have been working around the clock on this investigation and have apprehended a very dangerous young man bringing relief to the communities he preyed on," Chief Steven Skrynecki, Nassau Co. Police Dept., said.
Police say Peterkin raped a 60 year old woman who was jogging at Valley Stream State Park earlier this month.
They say he's also the one who attacked a 30 year old pregnant woman as she was walking home in Valley Stream.
We spoke with her husband today by phone. He praised police for a job well done.
"She was really excited last night. She looked at the news. Well, at first she was really afraid because she relived seeing his face. And she got a really good glimpse of his body. She's really 100 percent quite confident that's the guy," he said.
Peterkin was taken into custody Sunday morning in Howard Beach. He was arraigned on Monday morning in Hempstead.
Police say they are looking into whether Peterkin is responsible for another sexual assault in Lynbrook.
"We are looking at other cases and because of the proximity to New York City, New York City is also looking at any possible open cases that may involve him as well," Chief Skrynecki said.
He was ordered held without bail and is due back in court on September 11.
He is charged as an adult with first-degree rape, first-degree attempted sexual abuse, second-degree assault and strangulation.
He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.