Teen rescued from Bronx apartment where she was allegedly held hostage by rapist; police investigate for additional victims.
A 15-year-old girl from New Jersey, reported missing by her parents, was rescued from a harrowing situation in which she was allegedly held captive for nearly 24 hours in a Bronx apartment and subjected to repeated sexual assault. The suspect, 24-year-old William Credle, was taken into custody late Tuesday night at his residence situated on Hughes Avenue, near East 187th Street in the Belmont neighborhood. Authorities initiated a search for the missing teenager on Monday evening.
Credle’s arrest comes amid serious criminal allegations. As of this month, he was awaiting sentencing for a prior conviction involving an inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor from March 2024, raising concerns among law enforcement officials about the possibility of additional victims. The timeline of events escalated after the victim allegedly engaged in online conversations before agreeing to meet Credle, who arranged for her transportation to his apartment via a car service around 11:30 PM on Monday.
Upon arrival, the girl disclosed to detectives from the Bronx Special Victims Unit that she was immediately assaulted by Credle, who ignored her pleas for help. The criminal complaint indicates that when the girl expressed her desire to return home, Credle prevented her from leaving and concealed the tablet she was using to contact others. The assaults continued despite her repeated protests, and a source familiar with the investigation reported that Credle physically struck the girl during the ordeal.
Concerned for her safety, the girl’s parents utilized GPS tracking on her tablet, which led them to her location in the Bronx. After confirming their daughter was missing, they promptly contacted the police in New Jersey, who subsequently issued an Amber Alert. The New York Police Department responded, rescuing the girl and apprehending Credle shortly thereafter.
Charges against Credle are severe, encompassing multiple counts of rape, sexual abuse, and unlawful imprisonment. During his arraignment in Bronx court, he pleaded not guilty. Bail has been set at ,000 cash or a 0,000 bond. Credle’s extensive criminal history includes domestic violence and a prior warrant for his arrest, as he had failed to appear for a court date related to the previous case.
His next court appearance is scheduled for November 10 in the Bronx. In the wake of this incident, police have released Credle’s mugshot and are urging other potential victims to come forward by contacting the NYPD’s Sex Crimes Hotline at 212-267-RAPE (7273).
