NYU Student Assaulted by Parolee; Suspect Found in Apartment

A 45-year-old parolee, identified as James Rizzo, was arrested following an unprovoked attack on a 20-year-old New York University (NYU) student, Amelia Lewis, in Greenwich Village. The incident occurred on the morning of September 5, 2023, when Rizzo allegedly slapped Lewis on the buttocks while she was walking to class. Authorities apprehended him in a vacant apartment owned by the university, where he had reportedly stolen items from several neighbors.

Following the incident, Lewis shared her experience on social media, which resonated widely and raised concerns about campus safety. Surveillance footage captured the moment Rizzo approached her from behind, and Lewis described feeling a forceful slap before he yanked her hair and pushed her to the ground, leaving her frightened and shaken. “This is the scariest experience of my life,” she stated in a video posted on TikTok.

Details of the Attack and Arrest

Rizzo was found approximately six blocks from the attack site, hiding in a penthouse apartment in Washington Square Village. Upon entering the apartment, law enforcement discovered stolen belongings from six different residents, including a yoga mat, backpacks, and several laptops. Authorities noted that one of the laptops was still on, which allowed them to trace it back to Rizzo.

Prosecutors revealed that Rizzo has a lengthy criminal history dating back to the 1990s, including a conviction for stabbing a 74-year-old woman during a burglary in Brooklyn. He was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for that crime and has faced multiple charges since then, including sexual abuse and assault. He was paroled just days before the attack on Lewis.

During his arraignment at Manhattan Criminal Court, Judge Jeffrey Gershuny ordered Rizzo to be held without bail, citing the severity of the charges against him. In addition to the assault on Lewis, Rizzo faces multiple counts of burglary for breaking into the NYU residence hall and stealing from nearby apartments.

Previous Incidents and Public Reaction

Rizzo’s violent behavior has a troubling pattern. Earlier in 2023, he allegedly assaulted a stranger walking a dog and was involved in another incident where he shoved Jana Dianne Brazell, a tourist from Texas, into a plate-glass window in Midtown. Brazell described her attack, stating that Rizzo shouted incoherent phrases before slamming her into the window, resulting in serious injuries that required stitches.

The string of assaults has sparked outrage among NYU students and the community. Lewis emphasized the importance of addressing such incidents, stating, “I should not be scared to walk the street to go to my 9:30 a.m. class.” Her story, along with the troubling details of Rizzo’s history, has raised alarms about safety on campus and the need for better protective measures for students.

As the case proceeds, Rizzo’s past and the circumstances of his latest offenses will be scrutinized, highlighting the ongoing challenges of managing repeat offenders within the justice system. Legal representation for Rizzo has not yet commented on the accusations he faces.