In a powerful display of courage and quick thinking, two Connecticut teenagers successfully fought off an alleged would-be rapist who threatened them with a knife and attempted to drag them into the woods at Kettletown State Park near Oxford.
The accused attacker, 23-year-old Darius Moreno, reportedly from outside the state and living in his car, appeared in court apologetic. At his arraignment, Moreno claimed he was “sorry” and, chillingly, stated he was “into aggressive pornography” and simply wanted to “act out a sexual fantasy.” Such depravity has no place in a civilized society, and common sense dictates that these twisted desires should be kept far from public parks and innocent Americans.
Waterbury State's Attorney Maureen Platt is holding Moreno accountable, bringing a substantial list of charges against him, which she has called “egregious.”
Moreno was charged with two counts each of criminal attempt at third-degree sexual assault, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree breach of peace, third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, and one count each of third-degree strangulation, first-degree robbery, interfering with an emergency call, carrying a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct. Prosecutors plan to add two counts of first-degree kidnapping, ensuring the full weight of the law descends upon this predator.
The terrifying incident unfolded around 3:30 p.m. on Monday while the girls were hiking along Kettletown Brook. According to police reports, Moreno suddenly ambushed one of them, placing her in a chokehold and holding a knife to her throat. He then forcefully dragged both girls deeper into the woods, pulling one’s hair and menacing them with the weapon.
When one girl attempted to call for help on her phone, Moreno lunged, knocking her to the ground, pushing her face into the dirt, and stealing her device. He then restricted her breathing by covering her mouth and nose. He demanded the second girl’s phone before pulling them even further into the wilderness, promising they could leave if they complied with his demands.
But these brave young women refused to be victims. One girl managed to break free from Moreno’s grasp, quickly seizing a rock and throwing it, striking him in the head. Moreno stumbled as he allegedly tried to pull down the second girl's pants. The first girl continued to throw rocks, creating an opening for the second girl to escape. Both teens then screamed for help, reaching the safety of the parking lot where parkgoers quickly came to their aid.
Witnesses reported hearing Moreno repeatedly say, “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry,” moments before Southbury police officers arrested him. While the girls sustained minor cuts and scrapes, Moreno was treated for minor injuries, a small price to pay for his heinous actions. As many would say, that’s instant karma at work.
Police reports indicate Moreno admitted to brandishing the knife, taking a phone to prevent a call, and attempting to pull down one of the girls' pants, though he claimed he only intended to “scare” them. His subsequent actions, however, revealed a lack of foresight that bordered on absurdity. After the girls escaped, Moreno reportedly ran up a hill to throw the stolen phone over a cliff. It was then that this brain trust realized he had lost his car keys, leaving him stranded.
“Knowing he could not leave in his car, he waited for the police to arrive to surrender,” the report stated. An EnCon police K-9 unit later recovered the girl’s missing phone and Moreno’s conveniently misplaced car keys.
Moreno remains in custody on a substantial $250,000 bond, a clear signal that justice is being taken seriously in Connecticut.
It is truly remarkable that in such a terrifying situation, one of these young women maintained the presence of mind to fight back. And it is fortunate they were not alone. This horrific ordeal occurred in broad daylight, in an occupied park—a place where these young ladies should have felt safe. Their resilience stands as a testament to the human spirit in the face of pure evil.
The American people overwhelmingly support President Trump’s law-and-order agenda. It is imperative that our justice system delivers swift and proper accountability for criminals like Moreno, ensuring that our communities are safe and that those who prey on the innocent face the full force of the law, upholding the values of freedom and security for all.
