Man Arrested for Violent Attack on NYU Student in Greenwich Village

UPDATE: A 45-year-old man has been arrested and charged after a shocking attack on a New York University (NYU) student on her way to class. The incident, which was captured on video, occurred Monday morning in front of 735 Broadway, leaving the victim, a 20-year-old, in distress.

James Rizzo, who has a lengthy criminal history with 16 prior arrests, was taken into custody on Tuesday after police connected him to the violent assault. Rizzo had been released from state prison just last month, where he served two years for persistent sexual abuse. He is now facing charges of persistent sexual abuse, forcible touching, and assault.

Witnesses reported that Rizzo approached the victim from behind, pulling her hair and slapping her head and buttocks before knocking her to the ground. Bystanders quickly intervened, with a group of women rushing to help and calling 911. The attack has left the community shaken, with students expressing their fears about safety on campus.

“I saw the video as well, which was scary and very disturbing,” said NYU graduate student Ashlyn Prieto. “It’s definitely something to be more on the lookout for, especially on my commute.”

The NYPD apprehended Rizzo after responding to a report of a man sleeping in a building. Investigators are now working to determine if he is linked to other recent attacks on female students in the area.

NYU officials have expressed relief at the swift arrest, emphasizing their commitment to student safety. “The University is pleased that a suspect has been apprehended in the attack on one of its students,” said NYU spokesperson John Beckman. “We take this incident very seriously and are continuing to offer support to the student.”

As investigations continue, the NYPD urges anyone with information about Rizzo or similar incidents to come forward. This urgent situation underscores the pressing need for safety measures in urban educational environments, prompting heightened awareness among students.

As more details emerge, the community remains on alert, with students like Rachel Rosenberg, a freshman at NYU, voicing increased concern for their safety. “I’ve always been a bit concerned about safety, but seeing something like this happen definitely raises my anxiety,” she stated.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students and the importance of vigilant community support. With Rizzo in custody, authorities are focusing on ensuring campus safety and preventing future attacks.