Suspect arrested after attack on NYU student caught on video: Police

Key Concepts

• Assault on NYU Student: A physical attack on a 20-year-old NYU student.
• Surveillance Video: Footage capturing the incident.
• James Rizzo: The arrested suspect.
• Amelia Lewis: The victim who posted on social media.
• Level Two Sex Offender: A classification indicating the risk level of a sex offender.
• Prior Arrests: Previous legal encounters of the suspect.
• Burglary Charges: Initial charges against Rizzo.

Attack on NYU Student and Suspect's Arrest

On Monday morning, a 20-year-old NYU student was walking to class when she was attacked from behind, hit, and pushed to the ground, with her hair being pulled. This incident was captured on surveillance video. The victim, Amelia Lewis, subsequently shared her experience on social media, urging young women in New York City, particularly those attending NYU, to be cautious.

Suspect's Background and Connection to the Crime

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old James Rizzo, was arrested for the attack and is expected back in court this afternoon. Police revealed that Rizzo was released from prison in September and is classified as a level two sex offender. He has a history of 16 prior arrests.

Initially, Rizzo was apprehended on four counts of burglary in a building located near the site of the attack at Waverly and Broadway. Police were alerted to his presence after a complaint that he was sleeping inside the building. Upon picking him up and comparing his appearance to the individual seen in the surveillance video of the NYU student attack, law enforcement connected him to the assault.

Victim's Statement

Amelia Lewis described the incident as "honestly like the scariest experience of my life."

Conclusion

The arrest of James Rizzo, a registered sex offender with a significant criminal history, for the assault on an NYU student highlights ongoing safety concerns. The incident, captured on surveillance and amplified through social media, underscores the importance of vigilance for students in urban environments. Rizzo's initial arrest for burglary led to his identification and connection to the more serious assault charge.