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In a shocking incident that unfolded in broad daylight, a 50-year-old career criminal with an extensive criminal history allegedly attempted to rape a 70-year-old woman in the Bronx. The attack left the neighborhood in shock, but local residents quickly mobilized to ensure justice was served.
The event occurred on Friday afternoon, April 18, around 1 p.m., near Creston Avenue and East 184th Street, according to a statement from the New York City Police Department. The suspect, identified as Oswaldo Ramos, reportedly approached the elderly woman from behind and attempted to assault her before fleeing the scene on foot.
Members of the community were determined not to let this violent act go unanswered. Surveillance footage, released by the police, depicted Ramos moments after the crime, struggling to pull his pants back on. This video was crucial in rallying the local populace to identify Ramos, as it quickly circulated online and among residents.
On Saturday, vigilant residents tracked Ramos down near Tiebout Avenue and East 187th Street, a block away from where the assault took place. They confronted him, resulting in a severe beating that left him hospitalized, as reported by the New York Post.
“Yeah, we beat him up,” one anonymous local resident told the Post. “You don’t do that, that’s something you don’t do. And if he comes back, I’m going to rock him again.” This sentiment echoed among other neighbors who expressed their resolve to protect their community. A fellow resident added, “We don’t tolerate that kind of stuff around here.” Support for the elderly victim was also evident, as others in the area came forward to comfort her after the attack.
Following the attempted rape, Ramos evaded capture for nearly two days. During this time, police intensified their search efforts while community members remained vigilant in hopes of bringing him to justice.
Authorities formally charged Ramos with first-degree attempted rape and burglary. As of Tuesday, he remained hospitalized and had yet to be arraigned. The specific details concerning his injuries have not been publicly disclosed.
Ramos’s criminal history is extensive. With 19 prior arrests primarily for robbery and burglary, his record raises serious questions about public safety. In a notable 2018 incident, he allegedly entered a Bronx deli, claiming to have shot a police officer, and demanded cash. However, investigations revealed that no officers had been harmed.
The community is left grappling with the implications of having such a repeat offender on the streets. Despite his long history of criminal activity, Ramos remained free until the residents took matters into their own hands.
The New York Police Department continues to seek assistance from the public in the ongoing investigation of the initial assault. Officials urge anyone with information to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline for support.
As the community reflects on this incident, it highlights a growing concern about safety and justice in urban neighborhoods. The local response exemplifies the strength of community solidarity in the face of violence, showcasing a determination to protect vulnerable members of society.
While the incident has initiated discussions around crime and community safety, it brings to light the urgent necessity for effective measures to ensure such violent acts do not recur. Residents are advocating not only for justice for the victim but also for long-lasting reforms that prioritize public safety.
This event serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges communities face in addressing crime and protecting their own. Vigilantism, while perhaps understandable in emotion, raises questions about legality and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
As the situation continues to develop, the hope remains for justice to be served not just for the latest victim, but for all those who live in fear of similar attacks.
