Man arrested for raping 19-year-old woman on Bronx bench, according to police.
Police have apprehended a 30-year-old man, Xavier Chapman, in connection with the alleged rape of a 19-year-old woman in the Bronx. The incident reportedly occurred on a bench near Park Avenue and East 183rd Street early Wednesday morning, September 18. Chapman has been charged with rape, sexual abuse, and harassment for the act, as stated by law enforcement officials.
Following the assault, which took place around 3 a.m., the suspect fled the scene, heading east on 183rd Street. The victim, although shaken, declined medical assistance at the scene from emergency services. In a bid to identify the suspect, the New York Police Department (NYPD) released surveillance footage of Chapman on the same day, requesting assistance from the public. At the time of the incident, Chapman was reportedly wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and black shoes. Notably, he lives just two blocks from the location of the alleged crime.
This arrest follows another disturbing incident within the same week. On Tuesday, September 16, a 33-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on a sidewalk in the Bronx by an ex-convict identified as Nicholas DeJesus, who used the pseudonym “Romeo.” DeJesus was charged with rape, sexual abuse, assault, and harassment after he allegedly assaulted the woman and provided her with his phone number, which later led to his arrest. This attack reportedly occurred around 5:45 a.m. near the Kingsbridge Stop & Shop on Broadway.
These recent incidents contribute to a troubling trend in the Bronx, where police statistics indicate a significant rise in reported rapes this year. According to the NYPD, 397 rape incidents have been documented in 2025 thus far, representing a 33.2% increase compared to 2024, which recorded 298 incidents.
As the investigations into both cases proceed, the arraignments for Chapman and DeJesus are pending. Local authorities are continuing their efforts to ensure safety in the community, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The Bronx community, grappling with these alarming crime statistics, faces the ongoing challenge of addressing violence against women while advocating for public safety measures.
