Brade
In a shocking midday incident that has left a Bronx neighborhood on edge, a 50-year-old career criminal with a lengthy rap sheet 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.
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. It was this footage that reportedly helped community members identify 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 where the attempted rape occurred—and beat him so severely that he was hospitalized, according to the outlet.
“Yeah, we beat him up,” one local resident told the Post, requesting anonymity. “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.” Others in the area reportedly comforted the elderly victim immediately after the assault.
RAMOS remained at large for approximately 48 hours following the attempted rape, during which the NYPD continued their search while the community remained vigilant. He has since been charged with first-degree attempted rape and burglary, according to the NYPD. Law enforcement sources confirmed that RAMOS 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 history is extensive, with 19 prior arrests, mostly for robbery and burglary, according to police. 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 criminal record, RAMOS was free to roam the streets—until the community decided they’d had enough.
The NYPD is still seeking additional information related to the assault. Anyone with tips is urged 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)
