Two suspected illegal immigrants were charged Sunday in a knifepoint rape near the Coney Island boardwalk. Authorities said the assailants attacked a 46-year-old woman and beat up her boyfriend who tried to intervene.

New York City police said David Davon-Bonilla, 24, from Nicaragua, and Leovando Moreno, 37, from Mexico, were taken into custody following the incident.

Mr. Davon-Bonilla is facing charges of rape and sexual abuse on top of assault, menacing and weapons offenses.

Mr. Moreno was charged with assault and weapons charges, and he will be psychologically evaluated at a hospital.

Authorities said the attack happened on the corner of Surf Avenue and West 16th Street at about 9 p.m. when two men shoved the woman to the ground.

Police said one of the suspect’s held a knife to the woman’s throat while he raped her.

The woman’s 34-year-old boyfriend, who left her briefly to go buy a coffee, tried to fend off the suspects once he spotted the assault taking place.

One of the suspects hit the boyfriend in the head with an unknown object as he ran toward his girlfriend.

Police said they arrested Mr. Davon-Bonilla first, and later took Mr. Moreno into custody. Both men are thought to be homeless.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.