Atty: Michael Pena, NYPD Officer Accused Of Raping Teacher, Meant No Harm
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The lawyers of an off-duty NYPD officer who is accused of raping a 25-year-old teacher in Inwood say their client didn't mean to harm anyone.
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Michael Pena's lawyers on Wednesday declined to detail his version of the events, but they say he "had no intent to hurt anybody.''
Pena was suspended without pay after the alleged incident.
Officials said Pena was off duty, armed and drunk when he encountered the 25-year-old school teacher on her way to work.
Police said she was snatched off a street in Inwood by Pena and forced into the back of an apartment building and raped.
Officials said there were eye witnesses to the attack who told cops they yelled to try to scare him off, but that he shouted back, "I'm almost done."
A resident called 911 and Pena was arrested.
Prosecutors said Wednesday that Pena had been indicted, but the charges weren't immediately disclosed.
He's being held on $1 million bond on rape and other initial charges.
Pena has worked at the 33rd Precinct since 2008 and his family says he is engaged to be married.
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