Two US students ‘are raped by 34-year-old taxi driver who pounced near their Rome lodgings’

Two US students ‘are raped by 34-year-old taxi driver who pounced near their Rome lodgings as they returned from a night out’

  • Antonio Macrì allegedly attacked the two women, who had been out at a bar, on October 14
  • They got a taxi back to their lodgings in Trastevere and when they got out of the car, one of the women felt unwell
  • The 34-year-old took the opportunity to pounce, sneaking up behind them and attacking both in turn
  • One of the two women managed to film him and take photos before they escaped and called for help 
  • He was taken into custody on Tuesday on charges of alleged sexual assault 

A 34-year-old taxi driver was arrested after allegedly raping two US students near their accommodation in Rome as they returned from an evening out last month. 

Antonio Macrì allegedly attacked the two women on October 14. They had been in a bar and got a taxi back to their lodgings in Trastevere. 

When they got out of the car, one of the women felt unwell. The 34-year-old, also a taxi driver, allegedly took the opportunity to pounce on the two women, sneaking up behind them and attacking both in turn. 

One of the two women managed to film him and take photos. They escaped the 34-year-old and called for help.

Antonio Macrì allegedly attacked the two women on October 14. They had been in a bar and got a taxi back to their lodgings in Trastevere. Pictured: Viale Trastevere in Rome where the alleged rapes occurred 

Officers found the suspect after hearing the students’ testimonies and reviewing CCTV footage and images of the man on social media. 

The 34-year-old was taken into custody on Tuesday on charges of alleged sexual assault. 

Magistrate Angela Gerardi said that the 34-year-old had taken advantage of the physical conditions of the young women.

Officers found the suspect after hearing the students' testimonies and reviewing CCTV footage and images of the man on social media. (file image of Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere)

 Officers found the suspect after hearing the students’ testimonies and reviewing CCTV footage and images of the man on social media. (file image of Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere)

She said both women had been drinking and had greater difficulty in opposing his aggression. 

After attacking the first woman, he pounced on the second. The first woman was recording a video and taking photos. 

In her note she said this was ‘proof of an absolute and total incapacity on the part of the accused to control his own instincts’.

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk