A Brooklyn man has been arrested and charged with raping an unconscious man aboard a New York City subway train earlier this month, police said Monday.
Felix Rojas, 44, was taken into custody Sunday night by NYPD officers from the 1st Precinct following an investigation led by the department’s Special Victims Division. He faces charges of rape in the first degree in connection with the April 9 attack on a southbound “R” train near the Whitehall Street subway station in Manhattan.
According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 12:20 a.m. when Rojas allegedly engaged in sexual contact with an unconscious and unresponsive male passenger. Rojas fled the scene on foot, sparking a search by investigators that lasted more than two weeks.
It was later determined that the man was deceased.
Authorities used surveillance video, forensic evidence, and community tips to identify and track down Rojas. He was located at a residence on 79th Street in Brooklyn and arrested without incident, law enforcement officials said.
The NYPD had previously released images of the suspect to the public in an effort to gather leads. It remains unclear whether those tips directly led to the arrest or if other investigative methods played a larger role.
Immigration status becomes flashpoint in political response
In the aftermath of the arrest, Secretary Sean Duffy claimed on social media that Rojas had crossed the U.S. border illegally five times, reigniting debate over immigration enforcement and public safety. “Turns out the man accused of raping a corpse on the New York City subway is an illegal who crossed the border five times,” Duffy wrote in a post on X.
The NYPD and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have not confirmed the suspect’s immigration status, and no federal charges have been filed. Political figures, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, have not commented on the claim as of Tuesday.
Rojas’s arraignment is pending in Manhattan Criminal Court. Police have not released further details on the evidence recovered or whether Rojas has retained legal counsel. The condition of the victim has not been publicly disclosed.
Officials emphasized that no additional suspects are being pursued in connection with the case. The investigation remains ongoing.
The arrest follows weeks of concern over subway safety, as city and state officials face pressure to address violent incidents on public transit.
Subway assault suspect captured in Brooklyn after brutal crime shocked city.