Authorities in Florida have taken into custody a man who is wanted by New York City police in connection with three alleged rapes committed in Central Park. The suspect, 30-year-old Dereck Rivera-Deleon, was apprehended on Tuesday while employed at a Burger King in Miami. The New York City Police Department confirmed that the arrest stems from an incident reported in late October, along with two prior assaults in the park that occurred in 2021 and 2023.
Rivera-Deleon, who is originally from the Bronx, was specifically charged for allegedly raping a woman in Central Park on October 24, 2026. According to the NYPD, the victim is a 39-year-old woman who reported that a man threatened her with a knife before dragging her to a secluded part of the park. The attack took place at approximately 8:30 p.m. near Fifth Avenue, between 66th and 67th streets. The woman was subsequently transported to a hospital for treatment.
In the days following the October incident, the NYPD released surveillance images of the suspect. The footage depicted a man dressed in black clothing and wearing a hooded sweatshirt while carrying what appeared to be a backpack. These images aided in the investigation that ultimately led to the suspect's location in Florida.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani addressed the community following the initial report of the October rape. He described the event as horrific and emphasized the expectation that all New Yorkers should feel safe walking anywhere in the city at any time. Mamdani stated that anything less than that standard is not something he would justify or accept, underscoring the administration's commitment to public safety.
Body camera footage captured the moment Rivera-Deleon was detained on Tuesday in broad daylight. The arrest was a joint effort involving the US Marshals and the Miami Beach Police Department. During the encounter, the suspect was heard asking, "Are you guys confusing me with somebody else?" before being secured by officers.
The location of the arrest proved to be a significant logistical factor for investigators. The Burger King where Rivera-Deleon was working is situated directly across the street from the Miami Beach Police Department. This proximity likely facilitated the swift response by local and federal agents who were tracking the fugitive.
Christopher Bess, a spokesperson for the Miami Beach Police Department, described the suspect as extremely violent during the arrest. Bess noted that Rivera-Deleon was a fugitive from New York and suggested that the rapid coordination between local detectives and federal partners may have prevented another potential assault. The department highlighted the effectiveness of their investigative skills in securing the suspect.
Ricky J Patel, the US Marshal for the southern district of New York, issued a statement emphasizing the resolve of federal law enforcement. Patel said that when violent offenders flee to evade justice, authorities will ensure there is no corner of the country where they can hide. The NYPD added that it will stop at nothing to remove dangerous criminals from the streets.
Rivera-Deleon is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight correctional center in south Florida. He is awaiting extradition to New York to face charges for the three alleged rapes. Local media reports indicate that the legal process for transferring him to New York custody is underway.
The Burger King company informed NBC6 that Rivera-Deleon had been employed at the Miami location for less than two weeks. Following his arrest, the company confirmed that he is no longer employed by the restaurant.
