Homeless man accused of trying to rape woman, 19, near Gracie Mansion

Editor’s note: The above video originally aired on Aug. 10, 2024.

UPPER EAST SIDE, Manhattan (PIX11) — A homeless man is accused of trying to rape a 19-year-old woman near Gracie Mansion on the Upper East Side over the weekend, police said Tuesday.

Quincy Burks, 30, was arrested Monday and charged with attempted rape, sex abuse, and forcible touching, according to the NYPD. He was held without bail following his arraignment.

Burks was caught on surveillance video following the woman out of Carl Schulz Park and throwing her to the ground near East End Avenue and 90th Street at around 1:15 a.m. Saturday, police said. Burks allegedly held the victim down with his body and put his hands on her mouth before trying to rape her, prosecutors said. The victim was taken to the hospital to be treated for cuts and bruises.

Hector Mateo, a nearby doorman , jumped in and saved the woman when he grabbed a flashlight and scared off the suspect. He told PIX11 News he wished he would’ve caught the man before he ran off.

“I didn’t pursue him. I helped the little girl. She was down on the floor, bloody, crying and in shock,” Mateo said.

Neighbors were hailing the quick-thinking doorman as a hero.

“Absolutely. What he did was incredible,” said Gabby Newman, 20, who lives in Mateo’s building. “I applaud him for it, absolutely.”

Burks’ arraignment was pending on Tuesday.

On Monday, a homeless migrant was arrested for allegedly raping a 46-year-old woman at knifepoint near the Coney Island boardwalk, authorities said.

Citywide rapes are up 11% as of Aug. 4 compared to the same time last year, according to NYPD data.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers support, information, and local resources. You can also click here for additional hotlines within your state.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

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