What you should know
- A 21-year-old New Yorker was arrested in connection with a violent sexual assault on a 53-year-old woman while her family was watching a soccer game at a local park last month.
- Michael Okonkwo of the Bronx was arrested on charges of rape, strangulation, assault and petty theft in the attack that occurred in Soundview Park on Sept. 19 at 9 p.m., police said Friday.
- The victim had been watching the game and went to her car to get a lawn chair, when a stranger knocked her to the ground by her hair, police said. The man sat on top of her and covered her mouth, but she managed to let out some screams. His nephew came running and the man fled.
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NEW YORK – A 21-year-old New Yorker was arrested in connection with a violent sexual assault on a 53-year-old woman while her family was watching a soccer game at a local park last month.
Michael Okonkwo of the Bronx was arrested on charges of rape, strangulation, assault and petty theft in the attack that occurred in Soundview Park on Sept. 19 at 9 p.m., police said Friday. Information about a possible lawyer for him was not immediately available.
The victim had been watching the game and went to her car to get a lawn chair, when a stranger knocked her to the ground by her hair, police said. The man sat on top of her and covered her mouth, but she managed to let out some screams.
His nephew came running.
“I heard my aunt screaming, calling me. She was gasping for breath, ”the nephew told our sister network News 4 earlier this month. “I saw the man fighting with my aunt. He was a tall guy. I tried to stop it. He pushed me back and started to run. He threatened me. “
The attacker then escaped. Later, the nephew said that his aunt was physically fine but was emotionally struggling with the trauma of what happened.
Another man who was with his family could not believe the blatant attack in what he calls a safe park heavily patrolled by police.
“It’s scary, it’s crazy because the police are always around, they’re always on patrol,” said Noel Hernández. “They even get involved, play with the kids and everything. They talk to families. They are very involved in the community. “
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