Man with Extensive Criminal History Arrested for Assaults and Burglaries Near NYU
NEW YORK, N.Y. — James Rizzo, a 45-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, was arrested this week following a series of violent assaults and burglaries in Manhattan, including a recent attack on a New York University (NYU) student. Authorities charged Rizzo with forcible touching, persistent sexual abuse, and assault after security footage captured him violently attacking 20-year-old NYU student Amelia Lewis.
The incident occurred on a Monday morning when Rizzo allegedly approached Lewis from behind, slapping her head and buttocks, yanking her hair, and throwing her to the ground before fleeing the scene. Lewis recounted the attack in a social media video, describing how the assault happened suddenly and without provocation. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) confirmed that Rizzo is a Level 2 sex offender with 16 prior arrests, most related to sex crimes.
Just days before the NYU attack, Rizzo reportedly assaulted a 68-year-old woman, Jana Dianne Brazell, in Midtown Manhattan on Thanksgiving evening. Brazell, who was visiting family in the city, described how Rizzo approached her, uttered incoherent remarks, and then struck her from behind, causing her to fall against a glass wall and sustain injuries requiring six stitches. The brief but violent encounter left Brazell shaken and in pain.
Rizzo’s violent spree extended beyond assaults. In the early hours of Tuesday, police found him allegedly breaking into multiple off-campus housing apartments near Washington Square Park, an area frequented by NYU students. His arrest followed a swift response by law enforcement, who apprehended him on burglary charges.
Authorities have held Rizzo without bail pending a psychological evaluation, citing concerns about his mental state and the risk he poses to the community. His extensive criminal record and recent behavior have raised alarm among local residents and campus security officials.
The NYPD’s handling of the case aligns with protocols outlined by the New York City Police Department, which emphasizes swift action in cases involving sexual offenses and violent crimes. Meanwhile, NYU has reiterated its commitment to student safety, coordinating closely with city officials to enhance security measures around campus.
Rizzo’s arrest highlights ongoing challenges faced by urban centers in managing repeat offenders. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that individuals with prior convictions, especially sex offenses, often require intensive supervision to prevent recidivism. Mental health evaluations, such as the one Rizzo is undergoing, are critical components in assessing risks and determining appropriate interventions.
Community advocates stress the importance of comprehensive support systems for both victims and offenders. The Office for Victims of Crime provides resources aimed at assisting survivors of assault, while agencies like the National Institute of Mental Health emphasize the role of psychological care in rehabilitation.
As Rizzo awaits further legal proceedings, the incidents have sparked conversations around public safety, mental health, and the need for vigilant law enforcement in protecting vulnerable populations, including students and elderly residents. The NYPD continues to investigate the full scope of Rizzo’s activities and encourages anyone with additional information to come forward.
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