QUEENS, N.Y. — A 20-year-old man from Queens has been arrested and charged with rape and other violent offenses after police linked him to a knife-point sexual assault that occurred in the early morning hours last week, the NYPD confirmed.
Rody R. Morales Cu, of 87-35 165 Street, was taken into custody at 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, by officers from the 112th Precinct. He faces seven felony and misdemeanor charges, including first- and third-degree rape, second-degree assault, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree menacing, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second-degree harassment.
Police had been investigating the April 11 rape of a 50-year-old woman in the vicinity of 162nd Street and 89th Avenue in Jamaica. According to investigators, the woman was walking at approximately 3:00 a.m. when a man approached her from behind, displayed a knife, and forcibly raped her before fleeing south on 89th Avenue.
The victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition following the attack.
NYPD release led to arrest
Following the incident, the NYPD released a description of the suspect, identifying him as a light-skinned male between 20 and 30 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing approximately 120 pounds, with a thin build and black hair. He was last seen wearing a black baseball cap with a white Adidas logo, Air Jordan 3 sneakers, black pants, and a black sweatshirt with red lettering that read “Scary Ghost Face.”
Police have not confirmed whether Morales Cu was apprehended as a direct result of public tips or if other investigative techniques were involved. It is also not yet confirmed if Morales Cu is the same individual described in the public alert released by the NYPD.
Key Points
- Rody R. Morales Cu, 20, arrested April 15 in Queens on multiple rape and assault charges
- Victim, 50, was attacked at knifepoint early April 11 near 162nd St. and 89th Ave. in Jamaica
- Suspect described as thin male wearing “Scary Ghost Face” sweatshirt and Adidas cap
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence and determine whether Morales Cu is definitively linked to the April 11 sexual assault.