Additional Coverage:
- Suspect arrested after attack on NYU student caught on video: Police (abcnews.go.com)
Suspect Apprehended in Assault of NYU Student
A 45-year-old man, James Rizzo, has been arrested in connection with the assault of a New York University student earlier this week. The incident occurred Monday morning on Broadway near Astor Place as the 20-year-old student was on her way to class.
According to the New York Police Department, Rizzo allegedly ran up to the victim, slapped her head, grabbed her hair, and then fled the scene. He was taken into custody on Tuesday and faces charges of persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and assault.
Rizzo’s criminal record includes 16 prior arrests for offenses such as forcible touching, assault, and burglary. He is currently a level 2 sex offender due to a 2023 forcible touching arrest.
Authorities also noted that Rizzo was released on parole in September after serving two years for a persistent sexual abuse conviction. He is scheduled to appear in court later today.
John Beckman, NYU’s senior vice president for public affairs and strategic communications, expressed relief regarding the arrest. “The University is pleased that a suspect has been apprehended in the attack on one of its students that took place Monday morning on a Broadway sidewalk,” Beckman stated.
“We take this incident very seriously. We are continuing to offer support to the student, and our Campus Safety Department assisted the victim and worked with the police investigating the incident.”
The incident has caused concern among the NYU student body. Graduate student Ashlyn Prieto shared her alarm, stating, “I saw the video as well, which was scary and very disturbing.
So, it’s definitely something to be more on the lookout, especially as my commute towards the park, especially because that was exactly like route that I would take. So it was very scary.”
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- Suspect arrested after attack on NYU student caught on video: Police (abcnews.go.com)