New York – A disturbing video that surfaced online played a crucial role in the apprehension of a suspect involved in a violent assault and rape in the South Bronx, according to the authorities. The incident occurred on May 1 on East 152nd Street near Courtland Avenue in Melrose.
In the surveillance footage, the assailant can be seen ambushing a woman, using a belt to wrap around her neck and forcefully bringing her to the ground, rendering her unconscious. The video captures the man positioning the victim’s body between two parked cars before proceeding to commit the heinous act of rape.
After the victim received medical treatment and was discharged from the hospital, the video gained traction online, prompting a swift arrest by the police. Kashaan Parks, 39, was taken into custody on Saturday and is facing charges that include rape, assault, strangulation, sexual abuse, public lewdness, and harassment. The timing of his court appearance remains unknown at this time.
Despite the suspect’s apprehension, fear still lingers among some women in the neighborhood. A resident named Christina Torres expressed concern, stating, “If it could happen to her, it could happen to anybody, and that we’re not safe. None of us are safe, and it’s been like that for a while, but it just feels like… I’m scared now that the weather is going to get hot, that the crime is going to get worse. So yeah, I feel bad for her. I hope she’s OK.”
The victim informed the police that she recognized Parks from the area but did not have a personal relationship with him. The circulation of the video on social media played a pivotal role in the swift resolution of the case, highlighting the power of technology in aiding law enforcement efforts in identifying suspects involved in violent crimes.