A 26-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the rape of a 60-year-old woman in a park on the eastern edge of the capital. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, August 24, in Tor Tre Teste Park, and led to a citywide search.
Authorities identified the man, originally from Gambia, after analyzing surveillance camera footage. A street camera captured his image shortly after the attack, showing him in a black shirt, light-colored shorts, and a cap. Officers located and arrested him two days later, on Tuesday afternoon, near Rome’s Termini train station.
The man had a valid humanitarian residence permit issued in 2024. He now faces charges of robbery and sexual assault. According to police, he admitted to the assault after his arrest and said he was under the influence of narcotics at the time, reportedly purchased in the nearby Quarticciolo neighborhood.
Attack details and medical response
Investigators said the woman entered the park alone through the Via degli Olmi entrance shortly before dawn. She was approached, thrown to the ground, and raped. The attacker also stole her mobile phone before fleeing on foot. After the assault, the woman managed to return to her home and contacted emergency services with the help of neighbors.
Medical staff at Casilino Hospital confirmed the woman suffered two broken ribs. She was assigned a pink code, typically given to victims of sexual violence, indicating the need for immediate and specialized care.
Arrest and legal proceedings
Police combined the victim’s description with footage from cameras in the area to trace the suspect’s movements. His clothing and physical features led to a positive match. Later, the victim identified him through photographic evidence.
According to investigators, the man was recognized by officers outside Termini station by his shoes and cap, matching those seen in the footage from the morning of the assault. Following his arrest, he gave a voluntary statement acknowledging the crime and claimed he had been under the influence of drugs at the time.
The court in Rome is expected to review and validate the arrest.
