Police: Man suspected of raping 12-year-old girl turns himself in

Police say the man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl at a motel in Pelham Bay turned himself in Thursday afternoon with his attorney.

News 12 Staff

Jan 10, 2019, 10:30 AM

Updated 2,173 days ago

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Police say the man accused of raping a 12-year-old girl at a motel in Pelham Bay turned himself in Thursday afternoon with his attorney.
Police say the incident took place at the Hutchinson-Whitestone Motel on Westchester Avenue on Friday, Jan. 4.
The man has been identified as Carlos Medina, 51, of the Bronx. He was charged with two counts of rape, predatory sexual assault, criminal sexual act, criminal impersonation, act in a manner injurious to a child and two counts of sexual abuse.
Authorities say Medina, who was caught on surveillance video, approached the victim in a black SUV on Elder Avenue in Soundview around 10:30 p.m. Police say he displayed a badge during the encounter.
News 12 is told the 12-year-old girl was taken to the hospital and is in stable condition.
The manager of the motel told News 12 that an adult coming to the front desk to book a room with a minor is required to show an ID. However, the manager says he left the 12-year-old girl in his car.
The manger also adds he doesn't know if the suspect was asked to show an ID to the front desk person because he wasn't working that night.
He says they don't ask for identification for regulars and won't start now despite this incident. He does, however, say they will more cautious looking for new faces given that this suspect was a new customer.
Medina was walked out of the Special Victims Unit Thursday night in Hunts Point with is head slumped as he faced cameras and reporters.
Councilman Mark Gjonaj says he was incredibly disturbed by the incident.
"There's a heavily populated community ... schools are in walking distance and we could've jeopardized everyone that lives here," says Gjonaj.
Gjonaj says he reached out to the motel's manager regarding safety measures.