Forest Hills Elevator Knife Attacker Charged, Queens DA Says

FOREST HILLS, QUEENS — Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Friday that a man has been arraigned on charges connected to two elevator incidents in Forest Hills apartment buildings on Dec. 17.

Ralph Toro, 62, has been charged with two counts of attempted robbery, sexual abuse, two counts of criminal possession of a weapon, menacing, and harassment.

Katz said a woman observed Toro standing inside the elevator in an apartment building on 75th Street the morning of Dec. 17.

"As the elevator door opened, the defendant exited, but immediately turned around and allegedly displayed a knife," a news release from Katz's office said. "Toro then began to extend his hand back and forth in a threatening manner acting as if he was going to strike the victim and then reached into her jacket pockets. The victim pushed the defendant away and he fled the scene."

Less than one hour later, another woman got into an elevator in a different apartment complex and Toro allegedly got in behind her and pulled out a knife, demanding money from her.

"As the defendant continued to demand money from the woman, she informed him that she had no cash and emptied the contents of her pocketbook onto the elevator floor," the news release said. "The defendant, while still displaying the knife, grabbed the waistband of the victim, put his hand down her pants and sexually abused her. The victim tried to fight off the defendant and was able to shove him out of the elevator car. The defendant then fled the location."

Toro was identified on video surveillance, Katz's office said. He was arrested at a nearby shelter.

If convicted, Toro faces from 16 years to life in prison.