NEW YORK, NY — A Brooklyn man was arrested Sunday night for allegedly assaulting an unconscious rider aboard a Manhattan subway train earlier this month, according to police.
Felix Rojas, 44, was taken into custody at 9:20 p.m. within the confines of the 1st Precinct. Authorities charged him with rape in the first degree following an investigation into the April 9 subway attack, officials said Monday.
Key Points
- Felix Rojas, 44, was arrested Sunday for raping an unconscious man on an “R” train.
- The assault happened near the Whitehall Street subway station on April 9.
- Rojas fled the scene but was tracked down and arrested by NYPD investigators.
The incident occurred around 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, when Rojas allegedly engaged in sexual contact with an unconscious and unresponsive adult male aboard a southbound “R” train, police said.
After the attack, Rojas reportedly fled on foot from the Whitehall Street subway station, heading to parts unknown, prompting a weeks-long manhunt by the NYPD’s Special Victims Division.
Investigation leads to Brooklyn arrest
Rojas, whose listed address is 1748 79th Street in Brooklyn, was later identified with the help of surveillance footage, tips, and forensic evidence, according to police sources familiar with the case.
The NYPD had previously released media seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect. It was not immediately clear whether public tips led to 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 disclosed additional details about how Rojas was located or the specific evidence that connected him to the crime. No information was released about the condition of the victim, who was not publicly identified.
The case remains active, and Rojas is expected to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. The NYPD said no other suspects are being sought at this time in connection with the incident.