UPDATE: A suspect has been arrested following a shocking attack on a New York University student, confirming fears of safety in the bustling Greenwich Village area. James Rizzo, 45, with a notorious criminal history that includes 16 previous arrests, was apprehended on Tuesday after a brazen assault caught on video.
The violent incident unfolded Monday morning around 10:30 AM in front of 735 Broadway, where a 20-year-old student was walking to class. Rizzo allegedly approached her from behind, yanking her hair and slapping her head and buttocks, ultimately knocking her to the ground. Bystanders were horrified, with a group of women springing into action to assist the victim and promptly call 911.
“I saw the video as well, which was scary and very disturbing,” said NYU graduate student Ashlyn Prieto. “It’s definitely something to be more on the lookout for, especially on my route to the park.”
Rizzo’s arrest was made possible after police responded to reports of a man sleeping in a building nearby. Investigators quickly linked him to the assault, charging him with persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and assault. As Rizzo was led out of the 6th precinct in handcuffs, he remained silent, leaving many questions unanswered regarding his motivations.
The incident has sparked heightened concern among students at NYU. Freshman Rachel Rosenberg expressed her fears, stating, “I’ve always been concerned about safety, but seeing something like this really heightens that concern.”
In a statement, John Beckman, spokesperson for NYU, confirmed the university’s commitment to student safety: “We are pleased that a suspect has been apprehended in the attack on one of our students. We take this incident very seriously and continue to offer support to the victim.”
Authorities are now investigating whether Rizzo is connected to other similar attacks targeting female students at NYU. This latest incident has sent shockwaves through the campus community, highlighting the urgent need for increased safety measures.
As the investigation continues, students are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The university is collaborating closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of its students in the wake of this alarming attack.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
