The Bronx, New York – A person of interest is currently under police custody after a disturbing incident where a woman was choked with a belt and sexually assaulted on a street in the Bronx, as reported by police sources.
Authorities had previously identified the suspect as 39-year-old Kashaan Parks in connection to the attack that occurred near 152nd Street and Third Avenue. It remains unclear what specific charges Parks will face related to the violent act.
In a viral video capturing the horrific incident, the 45-year-old woman can be seen walking down the street before being approached from behind by the suspect who proceeds to use a belt to subdue her. The suspect, who had obscured his face with a white towel, then dragged the unconscious woman several feet along the sidewalk and into the street between parked cars before sexually assaulting her.
According to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny, investigators suspect that a possible prostitution arrangement might have triggered the violent assault. It was revealed that Parks and the victim were acquainted from the neighborhood, with the woman being able to identify Parks by a distinguishing gap in his teeth.
After the attack, the victim was mistakenly arrested for petit larceny and did not report the rape. However, an observant Bronx police officer recognized the woman in the viral video, prompting further investigation into the matter, as confirmed by Kenny.
The case is currently under development, and updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Charline Charles, a digital journalist from Brooklyn, has been covering local news, culture, and arts in New York City since 2019. She recently joined PIX11 News in 2022. To see more of her work, visit her author page.
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