Man Arrested After Attempted Rape of Elderly Woman in Park
A 30-year-old man from Manhattan has been arrested for allegedly attempting to rape an 84-year-old woman in a park located on the Lower East Side. This arrest comes just a week after he reportedly tried to kiss a stranger in the same neighborhood, according to officials.
Ian Grandison is accused of entering a bathroom stall at Sarah D. Roosevelt Park around 2:50 p.m. on March 11. He allegedly pushed the elderly woman to the ground and began to pull down her underwear, as detailed in a criminal complaint.
Before he could proceed further, a bystander intervened, leading to Grandison removing his pants and underwear. Fortunately, other good Samaritans stepped in, pulling him away from the victim and capturing images of him as he fled the scene.
Police located Grandison about six hours later at his apartment in Tribeca. When presented with a photo from the incident, he reportedly acknowledged, “That’s me,” as per the complaint.
The assault has raised concerns among park-goers. Residents and visitors alike expressed shock, particularly since the attack occurred during daylight hours. Angie Brokaw, a 31-year-old tourist from Texas, shared her surprise, emphasizing that this incident makes her think of acquiring pepper spray, which she now feels is a necessary precaution.
“When you’re in a crowded park, you might feel safe, but maybe you shouldn’t let your guard down so easily,” she reflected.
Gabriel Kay, a native of New York, said he now leaves his home with a Taser for added security. He commented, “It’s like Gotham City out here sometimes.”
Mackenzie Romig, a 26-year-old local potter, remarked on the general unease, saying while she appreciates the area, it can feel unsettling when incidents like this occur. She believes it’s usually safe to be out during the day but acknowledges the need to stay alert.
Incidentally, Grandison is also facing accusations connected to another incident on March 4, where he reportedly followed a woman on the Lower East Side for several minutes. He allegedly restrained her and attempted to kiss her before she managed to escape in a car. She captured a photo of him, which matched Grandison’s appearance during the park assault.
When confronted with this evidence, Grandison allegedly told officers, “This is me, fresh out of Bellevue.” He is facing charges of attempted rape, attempted sexual abuse, and stalking. Currently, he is being held on a $300,000 bail and is due in court on April 15.
