Arrest after woman suffocated and raped on Bronx Street: sources

Charline Charles and Mira Wassef

2 hours ago

THE BRONX, NY (PIX11) – A person of interest was in police custody Saturday, days after a woman was choked with a belt and raped on a Bronx street, police sources told PIX11 News.

Police previously identified a suspect, Kashaan Parks, 39, in the May 1 attack near 152nd Street and Third Avenue. It was not immediately clear what Parks was accused of in connection with the violent attack.

The 45-year-old woman was walking down the street when a suspect came up from behind and put the belt around her neck. a viral video shows. As the video shows, the man, who was covering his face with a white towel, then used the belt to drag the unconscious woman several meters across the sidewalk and onto the street between two parked cars. Police said the suspect then raped her.

According to NYPD Chief Detective Joseph Kenny, investigators believe a possible prostitution contract may have instigated the violent attack.

Authorities said Parks and the victim knew each other in the neighborhood and that the woman identified Parks by a gap in his teeth.

The victim was arrested for petty theft after the attack but never reported the rape, authorities said. A Bronx police officer recognized the woman in the video, which initiated the investigation, Kenny said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.