INWOOD, NY — An NYPD officer has been arrested for an alleged rape in Manhattan this morning. The suspect has been identified as Michael Pena, a 27-year-old officer assigned to the 33rd Precinct in Upper Manhattan.
Sources tell PIX11 News the officer was off-duty and approached the female victim inInwood as she was on her way to work around 6:30 this morning. He initially asked the woman, who is 25, for directions, but she "tried to ignore him" said the source. Pena then allegedly pull out a gun and forced the woman into a courtyard at Park Terrace West where he raped her.
Residents heard screams from the woman and called 911. When police arrived, both the victim and the off-duty police officer were still there. Pena has been charged with rape and has been suspended without pay, according to an NYPD spokesman.
The victim was brought to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and being treated. According to sources, there is DNA evidence in the case.
Officer Michael Pena's arrest comes on the heels of the high-profile acquittals of two other NYPD officers. In May, officers Franklin Mata and Kenneth Moreno were acquitted of charges they raped an intoxicated woman they were called in to help while on-duty. The criminal case sparked outrage across the city.
Following the shocking verdict, Moreno stood outside the courthouse and said his accuser "made the whole thing up."
And on Tuesday, PIX11 News broke the story of Detective Kyron Collins, who was arrested for conspiracy and a string of robberies in the 52nd precinct in the Bronx. According to court documents, the 16-year veteran is alleged to have used his gun, a knife, fake search warrants, and even an "NYPD" raid jacket to rob victims of money and contraband cigarettes.
The 39-year-old along with two others were captured on surveillance in the midst of one of a July 26th crime. He is currently being electronically monitored and is suspended without pay.
No comments:
Post a Comment