Northern Manhattan Elected Officials Call for Swift and Thorough Inquiry into Alleged Rape of Local Woman by Off-Duty NYPD Officer

Any Additional Victims are Asked to Come Forward

 (New York, NY) – Following disturbing allegations that a Northern Manhattan woman was raped by an off-duty NYPD officer, Senator Adriano Espaillat, who serves the community where the alleged rape took place, called for a swift and thorough investigation and appealed for any additional victims or witnesses to come forward. He was joined by other local elected officials including Assemblymember Guillermo Linares, Councilmember Robert Jackson, and Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez.

 The alleged rape took place early this morning. According to allegations, the victim was taken behind a building on Park Terrace West in Inwood by the off-duty officer and raped.

 “Sexual crimes are always deplorable acts that violate everything our society believes in. It’s especially jarring when the alleged perpetrator is a member of law enforcement,” said Senator Adriano Espaillat “I urge any additional victims who may have been assaulted by this man, to come forward. The NYPD must implement a swift and thorough inquiry and make the findings public as soon as possible. I commend officers from the 34^th Precinct for their quick response and timely arrest of the alleged perpetrator.”

 The alleged rape took place just down the street from Senator Espaillat’s residence in Inwood. It comes on the heels of a string of unrelated sexual assaults that have taken place in the neighborhood.

 Councilmember Robert Jackson said: “I expect an objective and immediate inquiry into this truly horrific incident. Our community stands strong, unified, and ready to work together.”

 New York City Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez said: "Early this morning, a woman in our community was raped, and my heart goes out to her; no one should ever have to deal with that trauma.  In the wake of this attack, all of us in Northern Manhattan have to stand together to stop sexual violence in our community.  We've dealt with a number of assaults in recent months, and we need the city's full support behind us to be sure that this does not happen again" said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez.

 Assemblyman Guillermo Linares said: “This is a terrible tragedy which will send waves of fear throughout our community. I join my colleagues in calling for a full and complete inquiry. All of us must do our part to make sure Northern Manhattan is a safe place for women and families.”

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