NYPD leadership: Queens Park rapist caught with help from local residents who tied him up with a belt

The alleged “monster” accused of raping a young girl in a Queens park last week was handcuffed early Tuesday morning after community members took the law into their own hands.

According to Chief of Criminal Investigation Joseph Kenny, 25-year-old Christian Inga was arrested on June 18 after he was handcuffed with a belt and physically restrained by at least 10 people at the corner of 108th and Waldron Streets in Corona.

“When they saw him on the street, they tried to detain him – they called 911. He started to struggle as community members tried to detain him and he sustained some minor injuries in the process,” Police Chief Kenny told amNewYork Metro. “They may have used a belt to hold his feet together.”

Sources familiar with the case said Chief Kenny was diplomatic about the incident; in fact, the sources claimed, locals beat the man and held him there until police arrived, leaving him with a number of bruises and a missing shoe. The attack was initially reported to have taken place at a homeless shelter near 108th and Waldron Streets, but police later clarified that it took place on the street.

Inga was treated at Elmhurst Hospital before being taken back into custody and charged with first-degree rape and other offenses on Tuesday.

When police chief Edward Caban officially announced the arrest on Tuesday, he said the arrest was the result of an investigation in which no expense was spared. Caban thanked investigators for discovering pictures of Inga that proved crucial.

“The gruesome crime was committed in broad daylight and our investigators immediately began to arrest the person responsible,” said Commissioner Caban. “I would especially like to thank New Yorkers. There is no greater power that multiplies and engages in the eyes of the public. That is exactly what we are saying when we talk about public safety: a shared responsibility.”

Inga allegedly attacked the 13-year-old girl on June 13 while she was playing with a 13-year-old boy in Kissena Corridor Park. Police accuse him of dragging the teens at knifepoint to a secluded area of ​​the park, where he tied them up with shoelaces and then raped the young girl.

Both teenagers were later treated at a local hospital. 109th District initially responded to the attack.

According to police, Inga, who is from Ecuador, entered the country in 2021 through Eagle Pass, Texas, along with a three-year-old boy. The toddler’s whereabouts are unknown and his relationship to Inga is unclear.

Chief Kenny reported that Inga had never been arrested in the Big Apple, but had received several summonses and had also been involved in a domestic dispute that did not require an arrest.

Chief Kenny reported that Inga admitted to the crime, but also told police that he had never done anything like this in the past and that he also had a drug problem. He also stated that he was facing deportation. Chief Kenny also stated that the DNA evidence was still being evaluated.

The police leadership also praised the artist for having created an accurate picture of the suspect at the beginning of the investigation.

“That sketch was absolutely accurate,” said Chief Kenny. “The sketch was everywhere. Everyone knew who we were looking for.”

Inga is charged with first-degree rape, robbery, menacing, sexual abuse and false imprisonment, second-degree child abduction, child abuse and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.