Illegal Immigration Crisis
Video Shows NYPD Drag Illegal Immigrant Rape Suspect from Hiding Under Car After Citizen's Arrest
The suspect was captured with the help of vigilant New Yorkers who recognized him from a wanted poster.
A 25-year-old Ecuadorian illegal immigrant, Christian Geovanny Inga-Landi, was apprehended by the NYPD after being dragged from under a car where he had been hiding. The suspect, wanted for the brutal rape of a 13-year-old girl in Queens, was captured with the help of vigilant New Yorkers who recognized him from a wanted poster.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight, capturing the attention of the community and sparking a citywide manhunt. Inga-Landi, who had entered the United States illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, in 2021, was already known to law enforcement for several minor offenses, including subway fare jumping and public drinking. However, his most recent and heinous crime involved the sexual assault of a young girl in Kissena Park.
According to the NYPD, Inga-Landi forced two 13-year-olds, a boy and a girl, into a secluded area of the park, where he tied their wrists together with shoelaces. Armed with a machete-style knife, he then raped the girl and stole the children's cellphones before fleeing the scene. The attack left the community in shock and prompted the NYPD to release surveillance images of the suspect, which were widely circulated.
The breakthrough came when Jeffrey Flores, a 24-year-old local resident, recognized Inga-Landi from previous encounters at a nearby store. Determined to see justice served, Flores lay in wait for the suspect. "I waited for him. I waited the whole day to see if he would come up. He came at night. He came in, we went to buy something. I saw what he was trying to do; he looked back at me. I waited for him to come out of the store and dragged him to the floor. A couple of people helped me," Flores recounted.
Flores' friend, Forge, had shown him a photo of the accused attacker from Instagram, which further fueled their resolve to apprehend him. "We didn't know he was a rapist. He was walking around us like any other regular person. Once we started seeing the picture, we waited for him and ended up catching him," Forge explained.
The confrontation quickly escalated as Inga-Landi attempted to escape, hiding under a car. However, the community's determination did not waver. Video footage shows NYPD officers arriving at the scene and dragging the bloodied and shirtless suspect from his hiding place. The officers were aided by several neighborhood residents, including Angela Sauretti, 23, and Daniel Ramos, 67, who were praised for their bravery.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny highlighted the community's crucial role in the arrest. "Everybody knew who we were looking for. We had tips coming in actually naming the perpetrator. They knew who he was. They saw him out on the street," Kenny stated. He also noted that bodycam footage revealed at least ten neighborhood people trying to do the right thing.
Inga-Landi suffered minor injuries during the struggle but was otherwise unharmed. He was taken into custody and is now facing a long list of charges, including rape, kidnapping, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was due back in court on Wednesday.
The harrowing incident has left a lasting impact on the community, with many residents expressing relief that a dangerous predator has been taken off the streets. Flores, who is soon to be a father, voiced his disgust towards the assault. "I got two little sisters and I'm about to have a daughter on the way. I don't like that. That's abusive. That's not right," he said.
The NYPD's swift response and the community's vigilance have been widely praised, showcasing the power of collective action in the face of adversity. As the legal proceedings against Inga-Landi continue, the community remains united in their commitment to ensuring justice for the young victim and her family.