A parolee with a lengthy criminal record, Ellow Williams, was apprehended on Tuesday by the US Marshals Fugitive Task Force in connection with the alleged rape of a woman inside her Soho apartment building. The 30-year-old suspect was charged with the disturbing weekend attack on a 23-year-old victim, according to law enforcement sources.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday when Williams reportedly followed the woman into the building, threatening to shoot her. Surveillance footage obtained by the police revealed that the assailant had concealed himself behind a parked car before surreptitiously entering the premises. Sources previously disclosed that the victim and the suspect crossed paths on a staircase, after which Williams allegedly launched the assault from behind.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny provided further details, stating, “She enters the apartment with her key fob into the lobby. While the door is still open, the perp runs in behind. She’s accosted on the second floor, where she was put into a chokehold. Perp threatens to shoot her, she’s sexually assaulted, then the perp leaves. He steals $40 and flees the location.” Sources had previously revealed that the alleged rapist had warned the victim not to scream, threatening to kill her as he claimed to possess a firearm.
Williams, who was known to frequent the area, was on parole at the time of the attack. Chief Kenny highlighted that the suspect had a history of criminal activity, including five prior arrests in New York City and one in Newark. In December 2019, Williams was arrested for robbery in Manhattan, resulting in a 42-month prison sentence followed by 42 months of supervised release.
The NYPD announced on Tuesday that Williams has been charged with rape, robbery, strangulation, stalking, burglary, sex abuse, criminal possession of a firearm, and coercion. Sources informed The Post that the suspect has been arrested over 30 times since 2010 on various charges, including assault, grand larceny, burglary, and criminal possession of a weapon.
