A Bronx neighborhood delivered its own swift justice when career criminal Oswaldo Ramos allegedly attempted to sexually assault a 70-year-old woman, leaving the suspect hospitalized and facing serious charges after vigilantes tracked him down.
Quick Takes
- Oswaldo Ramos, 50, was severely beaten by vigilante neighbors after allegedly attempting to rape an elderly woman in the Bronx
- The career criminal has 19 previous arrests, mostly for robberies and burglaries
- Surveillance footage of the suspect adjusting his pants after the attack helped locals identify him
- Vigilantes found and assaulted Ramos, who was later arrested at the hospital
- Ramos faces charges of first-degree attempted rape and burglary but remains hospitalized
Community Takes Action Against Alleged Attacker
Residents of the Fordham Heights neighborhood in the Bronx took matters into their own hands after learning that a 70-year-old woman was allegedly targeted for sexual assault. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on April 18 near Creston Avenue and East 184th Street, when Oswaldo Ramos, 50, reportedly approached the elderly victim from behind and attempted to sexually assault her before fleeing on foot. NYPD officials quickly distributed surveillance footage showing the suspect attempting to put his pants back on following the attack.
When the surveillance video began circulating online, local residents recognized Ramos from the footage. The following day, a group of vigilantes cornered and severely beat him near Tiebout Avenue and East 187th Street. Police later received an anonymous tip directing them to a local hospital where they would find the suspect. Upon arrival, officers arrested Ramos and charged him with first-degree attempted rape and burglary, though he had not yet been arraigned due to his medical condition.
A group of Bronx vigilantes hunted down a suspect accused of attempting to rape a 70-year-old woman pic.twitter.com/03dBtdBHV4
— The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) April 24, 2025
Residents Defend Their Actions
Community members have been forthright about their involvement in bringing Ramos to justice. Some have openly acknowledged participating in the vigilante response, showing little remorse for their actions. The incident has sparked discussions about community safety and the lengths to which residents feel compelled to go when serious crimes occur in their neighborhood, particularly against vulnerable populations like the elderly.
“Yeah, we beat him up,” said one unnamed vigilante resident. “And if he comes back, I’m going to rock him again.”
Another local resident emphasized the community’s standards, stating, “We don’t tolerate that kind of stuff around here.” This sentiment was echoed by multiple neighbors who expressed that such attacks against elderly community members cross a line that provokes a strong protective response. The vigilantes’ actions appear to have broad support within the neighborhood, with several residents defending the decision to physically confront Ramos.
Career Criminal’s History Raises Questions
Ramos’s extensive criminal background has become a focal point in the case. With 19 previous arrests, mostly for robberies and burglaries, many residents question why he was free to allegedly commit another serious crime. In 2018, Ramos was arrested for allegedly robbing a Bronx deli and falsely claiming to have shot a police officer. This pattern of criminal behavior has intensified community frustration with the justice system and may have contributed to the vigilante response.
The NYPD continues to investigate the initial attempted sexual assault and is seeking additional information related to the case. While authorities have not commented on potential charges against those involved in Ramos’s beating, the situation highlights ongoing tensions between community-led responses to crime and the formal justice system. Ramos remains hospitalized as legal proceedings continue, with his arraignment pending his medical release.
