Rape attempt in Central Park: Police identified the person involved in the attack on the woman

CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (WABC) — NYPD says they have identified a person of interest in the alleged attempted rape of a woman in Central Park Saturday morning.

Details about the person involved have not yet been disclosed.

The attack took place in the surrounding area 5:10 a.m. on Saturday near 85 East Drive, near the Lasker Rink and pool, which is undergoing renovations.

The suspect approached the 38-year-old woman, pushed her over a metal fence and punched her in the face multiple times before attempting to rape her, according to the NYPD.

Officers said the suspect then left the park on a bicycle and fled northbound on 5th Avenue.

First responders transported the injured person to a hospital in the area. His condition is stable.

While New Yorkers were sensitive about not blaming the victim, they were uncomfortable with him being out when it was dark.

“I’m not going to be here at 5:00 in the morning or as soon as it starts to get dark. I’m going back home because it’s not safe to be here anymore when it’s dark,” said resident Nancy Moore.

This summer, another woman fought with another rapist while trying to sunbathe in Central Park. There was an arrest in this incident. The two crime scenes were very close to each other on the northern edge of the city’s crown jewel.

“I think it’s definitely a good idea to always walk with someone, especially when the sun isn’t up, because you never know what’s going to happen. And it’s very unfortunate,” said parkgoer Michaela Barratt.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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