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Woman Allegedly Raped In Tompkins Square Park


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Oct 7, 2012

Modified Oct 7, 2012


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By

Christopher Robbins

Published Oct 7, 2012

Modified Oct 7, 2012


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A woman was allegedly raped in Tompkins Square Park on Friday night. An NYPD spokesman said they could confirm few details in the case. "The investigation is at sort of a halt right now, pending verification of the validity of the claim," the spokesman said. "At this time I cannot confirm an arrest or the name of the man we took into custody." Geoffrey Croft is reporting that the man is 27-year-old Ruben Canales.

According to Croft's sources, the 31-year-old victim told police that she had fallen asleep in the southeast corner of the park, near Avenue B and 7th Street, and awoke to "a man on top of her in the process of raping her." The victim ran for help into Kaman Deli on Avenue A, Canales followed her, and the deli employees called 911 at around 11:30 p.m.

Croft says police arrested Canales, who told them he was homeless. The Local East Village is also reporting that police indeed arrested Canales, who has prior arrests for criminal mischief, criminal possession of stolen property, and marijuana sales. Croft notes that the incident is the fifth reported rape in New York City parks since September 3.

Tagged

Avenue B

crime

east village

rape

tompkins square park


Christopher Robbins

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Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


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