Arrested in rape try
Vic thought she was entering cab, then was attacked
Police have arrested a motorist they say tried to rape a woman when she accidentally jumped into his vehicle, officials said Wednesday.
David Ramones, 26, of Queens, was nabbed Tuesday and charged with attempted rape, menacing, assault and weapons possession for the Aug. 6 attack in front of the El Gran Mar de Plata restaurant on Fulton St. in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn.
His 39-year-old victim told police she was leaving the restaurant about 5 a.m. when she jumped into Ramones’ vehicle, thinking it was a livery car.
After the woman got in the back seat, Ramones allegedly drove a block to Atlantic Ave., then jumped into the back seat, pulled out a gun and started hitting the woman.
When he tried to rape her, the woman managed to push him away, according to cops.
Ramones got back into the front of the car and started driving with the woman still in the back seat.
He forced the woman out of the car at an unknown location, cops said. She made her way to Jamaica Hospital, where she was treated for bruises to her face and chest.
Cops released photos and video of the suspect Sunday.
Police received several tips on Ramones’ identity, Chief of Detectives Dermot Shea said on Twitter, announcing the arrest.
“Detectives and community working together to apprehend another sexual predator,” Shea wrote. “Thank you to all New Yorkers who called in tips.”
Ramones has been arrested six times before, but not for anything violent, police sources said. His previous crimes included reckless driving and forgery.
A judge ordered Ramones held on $50,000 bail during a brief arraignment proceeding. He is due back in court Monday.