Man Arrested After Brazen Sexual Assault In UES Subway Station

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Police arrested a suspect Sunday in the brazen sexual assault of a woman on an Upper East Side subway platform, less than one day after authorities shared video footage shot by bystanders of the disturbing incident.

The suspect, Jose Reyes, 31, was arrested Sunday afternoon for the attempted rape of a 25-year-old woman around 11 a.m. Saturday at the 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue station, NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison said at a news conference, calling it a "heinous act."

According to police, the woman boarded a train Saturday in which Reyes was already riding. He "appeared to be smoking some type of hookah" and began "making weird noises and laughing to himself," Harrison said. The man then made a masturbating gesture toward the woman, prompting her to move away from him.

We’re seeking the public’s help finding this man, wanted for attempted rape after this brazen and brutal sexual assault yesterday at the 63rd St / Lexington Ave station- Please call @NYPDTips at 800-577-TIPS with any information on his identity or if you witnessed this assault pic.twitter.com/MYbnW62GKS
— NYPD Transit (@NYPDTransit) August 30, 2020

The woman got off the train at 63rd Street but Reyes followed her, pushed her to the ground and climbed on top of her while attempting to spread her legs, according to police.

Bystanders were able to interrupt the attack, and the police analyzed the video footage using facial recognition technology to identify Reyes as the suspect. Police also received several tips after sharing footage of the attack on Saturday, Harrison said.

Reyes was arrested Sunday at Lexington Avenue and East 105th Street in East Harlem, Harrison said.

The woman declined medical attention for minor injuries, Gothamist reported.