On June 18, the New York police announced that a suspect in the kidnapping and rape of a 13-year-old girl at Kissena Park in Flushing has been arrested. The suspect, identified as Christian Inga, a 25-year-old Hispanic male from Ecuador who illegally entered the United States in 2021, was taken into custody in the early hours of June 18.
The New York City Police Department officials stated that the suspect is facing charges including first-degree rape, first-degree robbery, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree threats, first-degree unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Authorities are collaborating with the Queens District Attorney’s Office on the case.
According to the police, the incident occurred on June 13 at Kissena Park when the suspect threatened two 13-year-old students with a knife and forced them into a wooded area where he sexually assaulted the girl and stole their phones. After binding their hands with shoelaces, the suspect instructed the children to stay at the scene for 20 minutes before fleeing. Evidence left at the scene included shoelaces and a water bottle believed to be used by the suspect.
In the early hours of June 18, police received a report of the suspect being sighted within the jurisdiction of the 110th Precinct. Officers apprehended the suspect near the intersection of 108th Street and Walden and subsequent investigations confirmed his involvement in the heinous crime.
During the arrest, community members assisted in detaining the suspect until police arrived. The suspect resisted and sustained minor injuries, with reports suggesting he may have been restrained using a belt.
After receiving medical treatment for his injuries at Elmhurst Hospital, the suspect was transferred to the 112th Precinct. Photos released by the authorities show the suspect with a tattoo of a wild boar’s head on his chest.
The police department highlighted the relentless efforts made in the investigation, with officers working tirelessly for four consecutive days following the crime, conducting community visits, gathering evidence, distributing photos and videos, and seeking assistance from the public.
Resident cooperation played a vital role in providing leads to the authorities, including the suspect’s name, Facebook account, photos of his clothing worn during the crime, pictures of his distinctive chest tattoo, and matching clothing items.
After waiving his Miranda rights, the suspect confessed to having a drug problem and bringing a knife, claiming it was his first time committing such an act. In a previous incident in June 2021, he illegally crossed the border into Texas with his three-year-old son.
State Assemblyman Ron Kim commended the tireless work of the police and community members in capturing the suspect, emphasizing the collective effort to ensure the safety of children and hold criminals accountable. City Councilwoman Sandra Ung pledged to collaborate with city officials to enhance public safety, particularly in areas like Kissena Park, to create secure spaces for all community members.
This despicable crime underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation to combat such heinous acts and ensure justice for victims and their families.