Police are searching for a man who brutally attacked and attempted to rape a woman in Central Park on Saturday morning – as crime continues to rise at the iconic Big Apple attraction.
The NYPD said a 38-year-old woman was near 85 East Drive at the north end of the park around 5:10 a.m. Saturday when she was approached by an unknown assailant.
“The attacker pushed the victim onto a metal fence, punched her several times in the face and attempted to rape her,” police said.
He then fled the scene on a bicycle, heading north from the park on 5th Avenue, police said.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect on a bicycle wearing a hoodie and a backwards baseball cap. Images shared by the NYPD show the suspect wearing a large food delivery bag on his back.
The victim was taken to an EMS hospital where she is in stable condition.
The brutal attack comes as crime in Central Park has increased by 13% year-on-year and 34% compared to two years ago. According to NYPD data.
Two rapes have been reported to Central Park Precinct Police so far this year – even with the same period for 2023. However, robberies have more than doubled, with 37 incidents recorded so far this year. Fighting is also taking place.
No arrests had been made till Sunday morning.
(TagstoTranslate)Metro
