Classmates Turn in Teen Wanted in Rape Attempt: NYPD

Police say the teenage suspect wanted in a rape attempt of a 15-year-old girl in an apartment stairwell in the Bronx has been arrested after his classmates identified him to safety officers at school Thursday morning. 

The 17-year-old boy followed the girl into an apartment building on Hoffman Street in Belmont on Wednesday afternoon, according to police. When they reached the fifth floor, he allegedly grabbed the victim from behind, brought her to the ground and tried to rape her.

The girl fought the assailant off, but the suspect took her iPhone before leaving the scene.

After his picture was released to media, his classmates at The Eagle Academy in the Bronx identified him when he arrived at school, police said. NYPD school safety agents took the teen into custody and notified detectives.

NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce said at a news briefing Friday, "His classmates surrounded him and pointed him out for us, saying 'that's him, that's him.'"

Darrien Warren was interviewed by police and arrested on charges of attempted rape and attempted sexual abuse in Wednesday's incident.

Police additionally linked Warren to a forcible touching incident on May 9, 2014, in which he allegedly grabbed an 11-year-old girl's buttocks as she was exiting the elevator of her building. 

Boyce said the teen admitted to the May 2014 groping. 

It wasn't immediately clear if the teen had an attorney. He was expected to face a judge Friday evening. 

The Eagle Academy said in a statement: "We are very proud that our young men have shown through their actions that they will not tolerate alleged criminal behavior. These young men are committed to building safe streets and safe communities. This is what we teach, promote and stand for at The Eagle Academy for Young Men Schools."

-- Marc Santia contributed to this report 

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