Man charged in sexual assault captured on disturbing video in the Bronx

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Suspect arrested and charged for rape in the Bronx
NYPD officers arrested 39-year-old Kashaan Parks around 10 a.m. at a relative's home in the borough on Saturday.

MELROSE, Bronx (WABC) -- Police arrested a suspect wanted after a viral video surfaced showing the suspect wrapping a belt around the victim's neck and dragging her behind a car in the Bronx.

The NYPD arrested Kashaan Parks, 39, early Saturday morning.

He was charged with second-degree rape, second-degree assault, second-degree strangulation, sex abuse in the first-degree, first-degree public lewdness and harassment in the first-degree.

The incident happened near East 152nd Street and 3rd Avenue around 3 a.m. on May 1.

A 45-year-old woman was followed by a man who lassoed a belt around her neck, which caused her to lose consciousness, police said.

Authorities say the man then dragged her behind a car and sexually assaulted the victim.

The man then fled on foot towards Melrose Avenue. Police released surveillance images of the suspect on Thursday night.

The woman was taken to NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln in stable condition.

Police say the victim and attacker knew each other.

The victim did not initially report the attack to police. Once video of the attack surfaced, police began investigating and realized the victim was already in the precinct, in custody for an unrelated petit larceny.

Neighbors say everyone has seen the video -- and they are stunned by it.

"It's sad for women, it's sad for everybody, but women take the worst part," Melrose resident Justo Cordero said.

Residents also say it is a poignant reminder that more needs to be done about safety in the area.

"At any given moment someone can come and hurt you and police, when they need to be here they're not," said Melrose resident Luz Hernandez.

ALSO READ: New NYC pay-by-plate parking meters bid farewell to paper receipts

Raegan Medgie has details from Washington Heights.

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