NYPD is searching for the suspect who attempted rape in Central Park. Citizens said the following about the shocking attack.

NEW YORK — Police are searching for a suspect who tried to rape a woman in Central Park on Saturday.

Longtime residents of the city were among those horrified to hear of the attack.

Police say the 38-year-old victim was near 85 East Drive around 5 a.m. when a man pushed her over a metal fence, punched her in the face multiple times and tried to rape her. Investigators released a photo of the man they were looking for. They said he fled on a bicycle and was last seen on Fifth Avenue.

The woman, whose condition was stable, was taken to hospital.

The latest NYPD statistics show crime is up 13% in the Central Park area compared to this time last year.

New Yorkers are angry about the attack

When it comes to the park, many city residents like Nil Lanning and Lucy Dew of the Upper East Side see it as a safe haven.

“Growing up here is one of my greatest joys,” Lanning said.

“This is an oasis and the lifeblood of this city,” Dew said.

Others expressed disappointment that it was a dangerous place Saturday morning.

“This is absolutely disheartening to hear,” Erin Campbell said.

“Women should be able to go out and run at any time of the day or night, and it’s absolutely disgusting that they can’t do that,” Eileen Martin added.

“I’m so glad he escaped and survived, but it’s awful to hear. It’s scary,” Andrew Laub said.

“I’ve lived in New York for over 25 years. You used to not come, but at this point Central Park feels a lot safer walking, sometimes even at night. But I’m warning anyone to be careful at that time because you never know,” said Upper West Side resident Greg Cassella. .

CBS News New York saw some officers patrolling the park on Sunday, but Lanning said he wanted to see more.

“I don’t see the cops around much, but I don’t see them in the subways and on the streets as much as I would like. I think everyone will feel better,” Lanning said.

They want to keep everyone in our precious Central Park safe.

Jenna DeAngelis

Jenna DeAngelis is an Emmy-winning journalist. He joined CBS News New York as a general assignment reporter in March 2018.