Man Arrested in Miami for Three Alleged Rapes in New York’s Central Park

A 30-year-old man has been apprehended in Miami after being identified as the suspect in a series of sexual assaults in New York City. Authorities, including the U.S. Marshals, arrested Dereck Rivera-Deleon on Tuesday while he was working at a local Burger King. While local searches often focus on a man in Miami, this case involves a serious criminal investigation spanning multiple states.

Rivera-Deleon, originally from the Bronx, is accused of raping a woman in Central Park on October 24, 2026. Police reports indicate that a 39-year-old victim was threatened with a knife near Fifth Avenue before being dragged into a secluded area. Following that incident, the NYPD released images of a suspect wearing a dark hoodie and carrying a backpack. In addition to the most recent charge, investigators plan to charge Rivera-Deleon for two additional rapes that allegedly occurred in the same park in 2021 and 2023.

A 30-year-old man is in custody in Florida awaiting extradition for three alleged Central Park rapes.

Investigation and apprehension

The arrest occurred in broad daylight directly across from the Miami Beach police department. Body camera footage captured the encounter, during which the suspect questioned if officers were confusing him with someone else. A spokesperson for the Miami Beach police noted that the suspect was considered extremely violent and that the swift coordination between federal partners and local detectives likely prevented further harm. Burger King confirmed that Rivera-Deleon had been employed at the location for less than two weeks and is no longer with the company.

New York City officials expressed strong condemnation regarding the attacks. Mayor Zohran Mamdani stated that the violence against the survivor was horrific and emphasized that all New Yorkers should be able to walk safely throughout the city at any time. The NYPD reiterated its commitment to removing dangerous offenders from the streets, while the U.S. Marshal for the southern district of New York, Ricky J. Patel, warned that there is no corner of the country where violent fugitives can hide from justice.

Rivera-Deleon is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight correctional center in south Florida as he awaits legal proceedings to return him to New York.

Why it matters

This arrest marks a significant development in a series of violent crimes that have caused alarm in one of New York City’s most prominent public spaces. By apprehending the suspect, authorities aim to provide a sense of security to those who frequent the park and ensure that individuals accused of serious crimes face the judicial process.

The case highlights the effectiveness of cross-jurisdictional cooperation between federal agencies and local police departments in tracking down suspects who flee state lines. For the public, it underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to maintain safety in urban environments.