NYU Student Assaulted, Suspect Arrested Multiple Times

A man has been apprehended following an attack on a 20-year-old student near the Manhattan campus of New York University (NYU). The suspect, 45-year-old James Rizzo, has a history of 16 prior arrests, according to police.

Rizzo was arrested by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and faces charges including persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and assault related to the incident. Authorities report that he allegedly approached the student from behind around 9:20 a.m. on a Monday, slapped her on the head and buttocks, yanked her hair, and then escaped.

He was seen leaving a police precinct on Tuesday night, dressed in a black hoodie and gray sweatpants, without making any comments to reporters.

According to reports, Rizzo’s previous arrests encompass a range of offenses, including sexual abuse, robbery, and even a 1997 murder arrest, though he has no murder convictions on his record.

Records indicate he had served a two-year prison term for sexual abuse and had been released on parole just a few months prior, remaining under supervision at the time of the incident.

The victim, identified on social media as Amelia Lewis, an NYU student, shared that the assault left her shaken. She released video and surveillance footage showing the attack, stating she was taken by surprise when the assailant grabbed her hair and threw her to the ground.

Lewis noted that her friend obtained the surveillance video from a nearby liquor store. She described the attacker as a tall man with long brown hair and a beard, wearing gray sweatpants and a black jacket.

In response to the attack, a spokesperson for NYU expressed relief at the suspect’s arrest, emphasizing the university’s commitment to student safety and support.

Lewis voiced her frustration in her video, asserting that as a student, she deserves to feel safe walking to class. She highlighted the pressing need for action to combat such violent incidents, expressing her disbelief and agitation that such attacks are occurring in the city.

She urged her audience to consider their voting choices, mentioning the necessity of support and resources to address rising violence.