NYU Student Attacked by Man with Extensive Arrest Record

Random Attack on NYU Student

• 🎯 A 20-year-old NYU student was randomly attacked on her way to class in Greenwich Village.
• ⚡ The assault, which occurred in broad daylight around 9:30 AM, involved the suspect slapping the student and throwing her to the ground.
• 📹 The incident was captured on surveillance footage near the NYU campus.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

• 🔍 The alleged attacker, identified as 45-year-old homeless man James Rizzo, was arrested after police responded to a 911 call.
• 📍 Rizzo was found sleeping inside an apartment building near Washington Square Park.
• ⚖️ He has been charged with assault, sexual abuse, and persistent sexual abuse due to his history of assaulting women.

Suspect's Prior Record

• ⛓️ Rizzo has 16 prior arrests and was released from state prison in September after serving two years for a persistent sexual abuse conviction.
• 😮 Court documents reveal a prior incident from two years ago where he groped a woman and asked, "Oh, you want more?"
• ⚠️ He also has a prior murder charge from 1997.

Victim's Reaction and Support

• 🗣️ The victim, Amelia Lewis, expressed relief over the arrest, stating she was in shock during the attack.
• 🤝 A bystander assisted her in calling the police and making a report.
• 🏢 NYU released a statement acknowledging the incident, offering support to the student, and confirming their campus safety department assisted in the investigation.

Ongoing Investigation

• 🕵️ NYPD detectives are currently investigating whether James Rizzo has any connections to other attacks in New York City.