NYPD Arrests, Suspends Off-Duty Officer Michael Pena On Rape Charges
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- An off-duty New York City police officer is behind bars after being accused of raping a woman Friday morning in Manhattan.
Michael Pena, an officer since 2008, has been suspended without pay after the alleged incident in which a 25-year-old teacher said she was raped in Inwood.
The Victim Was On Her Way To Work When The Alleged Rape Occurred. WCBS 880's Marla Diamond Reports.
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Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne said Pena, described by authorities as being very drunk, asked for directions to the subway. When the woman refused, he allegedly opened his jacket to display a handgun and told the woman "you're coming with me."
Pena, who was coming off an overnight shift, allegedly forced the woman to the courtyard of a building on 217th Street and raped her. Police said a resident of the building noticed something happening and called 911.
Authorities Say Officer Pena Was Drunk. 1010 WINS' Terry Sheridan Reports.
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Sources told CBS 2 that when police arrived, the woman came running toward them screaming, "he raped me, he raped me." Pena was arrested on the spot and police found his badge and ID in his pocket and the gun on the ground.
The victim was taken to Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital and treated.
Friday night at Pena's mother's home, the family of the officer had no interest in talking.
"I don't believe it," Pena's brother told CBS 2's Sean Hennessey.
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