The recent arrest of Xavier Chapman, 30, for the rape of a 19-year-old woman in a Bronx park has shocked the community. The victim was sitting on a bench at Park Avenue and East 183rd Street in Belmont when Chapman approached her, exposed himself, and then assaulted her. Thankfully, she was able to fight him off and scream for help, causing Chapman to flee the scene.
Following the release of surveillance footage of the suspect, members of the NYPD’s Warrants section were able to track down Chapman through an extensive video canvas. He was subsequently charged with rape, sexual abuse, and harassment. This is not Chapman’s first brush with the law, as he had a prior arrest for a lewd act in which he exposed himself and pleasured himself in front of a Bronx man’s apartment.
Chapman’s arrest comes on the heels of another disturbing incident in which Nicholas Dejesus, 42, allegedly punched and raped a 33-year-old woman on Broadway near West 230th Street in Kingsbridge. Dejesus, who was on parole for robbery, was also swiftly apprehended and charged with rape, sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. These incidents highlight a concerning trend in The Bronx, where rapes have increased by 27.5% compared to last year.
Citywide statistics show a similar surge in reported rapes, with a 21% increase across the five boroughs. The NYPD attributes this rise to legislative changes that have broadened the definition of rape and included additional forms of sexual assault. As the community grapples with these troubling trends, it is crucial for law enforcement to continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents.
