Career criminal beaten by Bronx residents after attempted rape: report

Residents of a Bronx neighborhood were left shaken after a midday attack unfolded on April 18, when a 50-year-old career criminal with 19 prior arrests allegedly attempted to rape a 70-year-old woman in broad daylight. The incident, which took place near Creston Avenue and East 184th Street, saw the suspect, later identified as Oswaldo Ramos, approach the elderly woman from behind and try to sexually assault her before fleeing the scene on foot.

However, the community refused to let the attack go unanswered. The NYPD released surveillance video showing Ramos moments after the assault, scrambling to pull his pants back on. This footage quickly circulated online and among local residents, leading to vigilantes identifying Ramos the next day near Tiebout Avenue and East 187th Street, just blocks from where the attempted rape occurred.

Reports indicate that the vigilantes cornered Ramos and beat him severely, resulting in his hospitalization. One resident shared, \”Yeah, we beat him up. You don’t do that, that’s something you don’t do. And if he comes back, I’m going to rock him again.\” Another neighbor affirmed, \”We don’t tolerate that kind of stuff around here.\” Community members also came together to comfort the elderly victim immediately after the assault.

Following the incident, Ramos was charged with first-degree attempted rape and burglary. With an extensive criminal record primarily consisting of robbery and burglary charges, Ramos has been arrested 19 times. In one disturbing case from 2018, he reportedly entered a Bronx deli claiming to have shot a police officer and demanded money, though authorities later confirmed that no officer had been harmed.

Despite his history, Ramos was free to walk the streets until residents took matters into their own hands. The NYPD is still seeking additional information related to the assault and urges anyone with tips to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline.

In the wake of this harrowing attack, the Bronx neighborhood remains on edge but united in their resolve to protect their community and support the victim. The incident serves as a reminder of the power of community vigilance and solidarity in the face of such heinous acts.