NYU attack suspect allegedly assaulted woman days earlier, found burglarizing off-campus apartments: report
Share this @internewscast.com

A New York man has been taken into custody following allegations of attacking a New York University student and is now facing accusations of another unprovoked assault in Manhattan, alongside charges of burglarizing off-campus residences.

James Rizzo, 45, was apprehended and charged with forcible touching, persistent sexual abuse, and assault after an incident where he allegedly threw 20-year-old Amelia Lewis to the ground on Monday morning. This information comes from the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

According to police reports, surveillance cameras recorded the incident, showing Rizzo—who is registered as a Level 2 sex offender—approaching Lewis from behind. He reportedly struck her head and buttocks, pulled her hair, and then fled the scene.

In a video shared on social media, Lewis recounted the incident, saying, “When I turned around, I saw this older White man, and as soon as I faced him, he grabbed my hair, yanked me, and threw me to the ground.”

Two mugshots of James Rizzo, 45, who is charged in the random attack on an NYU student. Rizzo appears on New York’s Sex Offender Registry as a Level 2 offender.

Rizzo’s criminal history includes 16 prior arrests, many of which are linked to sex offenses, as indicated by his Level 2 sex offender status. The New York Division of Criminal Justice Services provided Rizzo’s mugshots, which highlight his extensive criminal record.

This alleged attack occurred only a few days after Rizzo is suspected of randomly assaulting another woman on the streets of New York City.

Rizzo, who reportedly has 16 prior arrests, allegedly pushed a 68-year-old woman in Midtown Manhattan at around 8:45 p.m. on Thanksgiving, according to the New York Post.

The victim, Jana Dianne Brazell, was reportedly visiting her sister-in-law in the city when the incident occurred.

Police escort James Rizzo out of a Manhattan precinct in a nighttime perp walk.

Police escort James Rizzo out of a Manhattan precinct. (FNTV)

“I was about a step or two behind her, and out of nowhere this guy appears in my face and starts talking crazy talk, like, ‘Our whole society is a f—— joke, right?’” Brazell told the Post. 

“He stepped back,” she added. “I thought, ‘Thank goodness he’s moving away.” The next thing I know, I’m flying in the air, and I hit this glass wall at the side of a building. I just slid down.” 

According to Brazell, the entire encounter lasted “six seconds,” in which Rizzo allegedly struck her from behind with his elbow, causing her to fall to the ground and requiring her to receive six stitches, according to ABC 7.

WATCH: Suspect in attack on NYU student escorted by NYPD

Rizzo was arrested Tuesday after he was found allegedly breaking into an NYU off-campus housing complex, the outlet reported. 

In addition to the alleged assaults, Rizzo was caught burglarizing multiple apartments in the Washington Square Park area at around 1 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Post. 

The thefts included multiple electronic devices, a suitcase, a backpack and other items totaling $3,150 in value, the outlet reported. Authorities tracked one of the laptops and discovered it was still in the building, which led investigators to Rizzo, who was “alone in a vacant penthouse surrounded by the items that were stolen,” according to Assistant District Attorney Kailey Wilk. 

The NYPD and NYU did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

During his arraignment, Rizzo’s defense attorney reportedly requested that he be granted supervised release, citing his persistent housing instability and mental illness. Rizzo, who was released from prison in September, had also not checked in with his parole officer since Oct. 23, the Post reported.

“We could not find Mr. Rizzo until he was arrested yesterday,” the parole officer reportedly said. 

Rizzo was reportedly ordered held without bail, and a New York City judge also requested he receive a psychological evaluation while in custody. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Dem lawmaker claims Kash Patel 'does not love America' when asked about FBI head cheering Team USA at Olympics

Democrat Criticizes Kash Patel’s Patriotism Amid FBI Director’s Support for Team USA at Olympics

In a sharp critique, Rep. Seth Moulton from Massachusetts expressed his disapproval…
Man found dead in snow outside of Long Island housing complex

Tragic Discovery: Man Found Deceased in Snow Outside Long Island Housing Complex

On Monday, snow shovelers on Long Island stumbled upon a chilling scene—a…
Olympic skier news today: Lindsey Vonn says surgery saved her from leg amputation after a 2026 Olympics crash injury

How Lindsey Vonn’s Life-Saving Surgery Post-2026 Olympics Crash Prevented Leg Amputation: A Skier’s Triumph

VAIL, Colo. — Lindsey Vonn, the renowned American skier, recently revealed a…
This grocery chain was just ranked No. 1 for customer satisfaction

Leading Grocery Chain Secures Top Spot in Customer Satisfaction Rankings

In a recent shift in consumer preferences, Trader Joe’s has been crowned…
US women's gold medal-winning team declines invitation from Trump to attend State of Union address

US Women’s Gold Medalists Politely Decline Trump’s Invitation to State of the Union Address

The United States women’s hockey team, who recently clinched the gold medal,…
Ex-Hamas hostage documents her journey from hopelessness to homecoming with music

Former Hamas Captive Finds Solace and Strength in Music on Her Journey Home

Daniella Gilboa, a former Hamas hostage and surveillance soldier from Kibbutz Nahal…
Americans stuck hunkering down in Mexico after destination wedding trip gets upended by cartel violence

Cartel Unrest Strands Americans in Mexico Following Destination Wedding

American tourists attending a wedding in Mexico found themselves confined indoors, grappling…
Infamous photo of ex-Prince Andrew after his arrest hung in the Louvre by activists, stuns visitors

Activists Display Controversial Photo of Former Prince Andrew Post-Arrest in Louvre, Leaving Visitors Astonished

An arrest photo of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, now widely recognized, has been displayed…
Sinaloa Cartel leader faces life in prison for massive fentanyl trafficking operation

Sinaloa Cartel Leader Sentenced to Life for Extensive Fentanyl Trafficking Network

A high-ranking figure within the Sinaloa Cartel, accused of orchestrating the influx…
DNA is still pending as volunteers find another glove in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Volunteers Discover New Clue in Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie: Second Glove Found, DNA Results Awaited

In Tucson, Arizona, a group of more than a dozen volunteers gathered…
Rocket launchers among military-grade equipment seized in daring raid that killed notorious Mexican cartel leader 'El Mencho'

Daring Raid Takes Down Infamous Cartel Leader ‘El Mencho’ and Uncovers Military Arsenal

In a bold operation, Mexican military forces seized rocket launchers capable of…
Austin Tucker Martin, gunman shot dead by Secret Service at Mar-a-Lago, was obsessed with Epstein files: report

Secret Service Neutralizes Mar-a-Lago Intruder: Austin Tucker Martin’s Obsession with Epstein Files Revealed

The armed intruder who met his demise at the hands of the…