Repeat Offender Arrested in Bronx in Connection to Rape

A 26-year-old man with a history of criminal activity was taken into custody after being caught attempting to evade a turnstile at a Bronx subway station. During the detention, police discovered he was wanted for a recent serious sexual assault.

Officers stopped Zion Exum at Jackson Avenue Station around 10:19 p.m. on Friday night, observing him jump over a turnstile. Exum, wearing a leather jacket, handcuffs, and leg shackles, was escorted from the scene and brought to Bronx Criminal Court on Saturday.

Zion Exum, wearing a black studded vest and ripped jeans, being led from the Bronx Special Victims Unit — Exum in custody, flanked by officers on his way to court.

Investigations revealed that Exum was wanted for a violent rape that took place earlier this month. On September 13, around 4:05 a.m., he allegedly approached a 25-year-old woman on East 212th Street in the Williamsbridge area. After engaging her briefly in conversation, he forcibly pulled her to the ground and assaulted her, according to police reports.

He has been charged with first-degree rape and theft of services for the subway fare jump. The suspect is no stranger to law enforcement, with several prior charges including recent assaults, menacing, and criminal mischief dating back to 2021. In addition, records show his arrest in Queens on September 20 related to an August 29 assault.

Crime Stoppers poster with an image of the suspect in a hooded sweatshirt and jacket — An image circulated by the police depicting the suspect in the September 13 assault.

Authorities received an anonymous tip recent days that provided the suspect’s name, leading to his arrest. Exum’s criminal history and recent apprehension highlight ongoing concerns with repeat offenders in the area.