A Brooklyn man was arrested on Sunday night for allegedly attacking an unconscious rider on a Manhattan subway train earlier this month, according to police.
Around 9:20 p.m., the 1st Precinct took Felix Rojas, 44, into custody. Authorities charged him with first-degree rape following an investigation into the April 9 subway attack, officials said Monday.
The incident happened around 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, when Rojas reportedly made sexual contact with an unconscious and unresponsive adult male aboard a southbound “R” train, authorities said.
Following the incident, Rojas reportedly fled on foot from the Whitehall Street subway station, moving to unknown locations, sparking a weeks-long manhunt by the NYPD’s Special Victims Division.
Investigation leads to Brooklyn arrest
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Rojas, whose stated home is 1748 79th Street in Brooklyn, was later identified using surveillance footage, tips, and forensic evidence, according to police sources involved with the investigation.
The NYPD had already distributed media requesting public aid in identifying the culprit. It was unclear whether public tips prompted the arrest.
“An unidentified individual had sexual contact with an unconscious and unresponsive adult male aboard a southbound ‘R’ train,” police reported earlier, leading to the charges against Rojas.
Arrest brings closure to Whitehall Street subway attack
Authorities have not revealed any additional information regarding how Rojas was located or the particular evidence linking him to the crime. Authorities did not disclose the victim’s condition or publicly identify him.
The case is still live, and Rojas is scheduled to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. The NYPD reports that they are not currently seeking any other individuals in connection with the event.
