Adrian
In a shocking midday attack that has left a Bronx neighborhood on edge, a 50-year-old career criminal with a lengthy criminal history allegedly attempted to rape a 70-year-old woman in broad daylight. The suspect, identified as OSWALDO RAMOS, was later tracked down and severely beaten by outraged local residents, according to reports.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Friday, April 18, near Creston Avenue and East 184th Street, as detailed in a New York City Police Department (NYPD) press release. Authorities stated that RAMOS approached the elderly woman from behind and attempted to sexually assault her before fleeing the scene on foot. However, the community swiftly mobilized to ensure justice was served.
The NYPD released surveillance footage showing RAMOS moments after the alleged assault, visibly struggling to pull his pants back on. The video, part of a public appeal for assistance in identifying the suspect, quickly went viral, circulating online and among local residents. This footage reportedly played a crucial role in helping neighborhood vigilantes locate RAMOS the following day, as reported by the New York Post.
On Saturday, vigilantes cornered RAMOS near Tiebout Avenue and East 187th Street—just blocks from the scene of the crime—and delivered a brutal beating that left him hospitalized. “Yeah, we beat him up,” one anonymous local resident told the Post. “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 echoed the sentiment, stating, “We don’t tolerate that kind of stuff around here.”
RAMOS was charged with first-degree attempted rape and burglary, according to the NYPD. Law enforcement sources confirmed that he remained hospitalized as of Tuesday and had not yet been arraigned. The extent of his injuries has not been disclosed.
The alleged assailant’s criminal record is extensive, with 19 prior arrests, primarily for robbery and burglary. In one notable 2018 case, RAMOS reportedly stormed into a Bronx deli, claiming to have just shot a police officer and demanding money. Authorities later confirmed that no officer had been harmed.
Despite his lengthy rap sheet, RAMOS was free to roam the streets—until the community decided they’d had enough. The NYPD continues to seek additional information related to the assault and urges anyone with tips to contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or submit tips anonymously online at [https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org](https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org).
**Sources:**
[NYPD Press Release](https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/index.page)
[New York Post](https://nypost.com)
[Crime Stoppers](https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org)
