WOODSIDE — A stranger claiming to have a knife raped a 17-year-old after dragging her into alley near a construction site, the NYPD said.
Berten Garcia, 28, approached the teen from behind as she was walking near 65th Street on her way to the subway around 7:15 a.m. Saturday, police said.
He then covered the victim's mouth with his hand, told her he had a knife and took her into an alley, where he raped her, police said.
The victim, who did not know Garcia, later escaped, found her mother and called 911, police said.
NYPD officers then canvassed the area and discovered Garcia nearby carrying a small bag of cocaine, according to police and a criminal complaint.
He was arrested and charged with first degree rape, first degree criminal sexual act, assault, sexual abuse and criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to the complaint.
He is currently being held on $50,000 bail, records show. His attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
