A 20-year-old woman was raped on a Queens sidewalk by a man who had started talking to her on the street, police say. Investigators have released video of a man wanted for questioning. [Update, February 19: The NYPD announced it arrested a 27-year-old Queens resident for rape, as well as stalking and assault. More details below.]
The attack happened on Friday, February 15th, around 10:40 p.m. According to the NYPD, the woman was followed by a man to 54th Street and Skillman Avenue, where he "engaged the victim in conversation, at which point he pushed her against a vehicle and raped her."
The man reportedly targeted the woman after seeing her get off a bus and asked her directions to the 7 train. He also allegedly threatened to kill her before assaulting her.
EMS took the victim to an area hospital for treatment; she has since been released.
Video shows the person wanted for questioning (the NYPD Crime Stoppers Twitter says he's wanted for rape) walking down a street and up some stairs—and later running:
Anyone with information in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM, on Twitter @NYPDTips or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.
Update: On Tuesday morning, the NYPD said that Matthew Luna, 27, a Long Island City resident, was arrested late Monday night for the incident. He was charged with rape, stalking, criminal sex act, and assault.
He reportedly turned himself in—while accompanied by an attorney—at the 108th Precinct after clearer video of the rape suspect was released by authorities. The video was taken immediately after the rape, aboard a Q32 bus.
