Special Victims Detectives Nab Alleged Rapist Hours After Violent Attack
Special victims detectives in the Bronx nabbed an alleged rapist hours after he violently attacked a woman on a street early Wednesday morning.
Gregory Williams, 21, who resided at the Men’s Employment Shelter on Westchester Avenue in Parkchester faces two counts of first-degree rape and other charges for the heinous attack on a 26-year-old woman near an apartment building at 1370 Virginia Ave., about a half-mile away from the shelter.
Details of the Attack
The sexual assault occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 11, when Williams allegedly approached the victim from behind and punched her multiple times on the right side of the body. Police sources said the victim did not know her attacker.
After delivering the body blows, authorities reported, the suspect proceeded to rape the victim. Moments later, the perpetrator fled the location on foot, and was last seen heading southbound along Virginia Avenue, then turning eastbound on McGraw Avenue.
Investigation and Arrest
The incident was reported to the 43rd Precinct. EMS rushed the woman to a local hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.
During their investigation, sources familiar with the case said, detectives obtained video near the crime scene which allegedly showed Williams fleeing from the Virginia Avenue site back to the shelter on Westchester Avenue.
Within hours, cops said, detectives located Williams and had him positively identified as the alleged rapist. The Bronx Special Victims Squad formally charged him at about 12:30 p.m. Wednesday afternoon with first-degree rape, third-degree assault, third-degree sexual abuse and second-degree harassment.
Search Continues for Second Rapist
Meanwhile, police in the Bronx are on the hunt for another rapist who attacked a woman inside an SUV on Thanksgiving Day in an unrelated attack.
Second Rapist Still at Large
The NYPD released on Wednesday night images and video of the suspect in the sexual assault that occurred at about 3 p.m. on Nov. 28 near a McDonald’s restaurant at 1982 Westchester Ave., also in Parkchester.
Police said the victim, a 24-year-old woman, encountered her attacker through an arranged meeting set up on a dating website. Things quickly turned violent inside the suspect’s vehicle, a red Honda CRV, inside of which the perpetrator forced himself upon the woman and raped her.
Authorities said the rapist fled the scene inside the Honda CRV in an unknown direction, leaving the victim at the scene. Police did not immediately have information about the woman’s physical condition following the attack.
Crime Stoppers
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS (for Spanish, dial 888-57-PISTA). You can also submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
Conclusion
The Bronx Special Victims Squad has made a significant arrest in the case of a violent rape that occurred early Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, the search continues for a second rapist who attacked a woman inside an SUV on Thanksgiving Day.
FAQs
Q: Who is the alleged rapist?
A: Gregory Williams, 21, is the alleged rapist who was arrested and charged with first-degree rape, third-degree assault, third-degree sexual abuse and second-degree harassment.
Q: What was the location of the rape?
A: The rape occurred near an apartment building at 1370 Virginia Ave. in Parkchester, Bronx.
Q: What was the motive behind the rape?
A: The motive behind the rape is unknown, as the victim did not know the attacker.
Q: Is the second rapist still at large?
A: Yes, the second rapist is still at large and is being sought by the NYPD.
Q: How can I help with the investigation?
A: Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspect can call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS or submit tips online at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or on X (formerly Twitter) @NYPDTips. All calls and messages are kept confidential.
