NEW YORK, NY – The NYPD has unveiled a sketch of a suspect in an attempted rape incident that took place in Central Park, targeting a young woman who was sunbathing alone in the iconic park.
The sketch depicts a man with a short beard, noticeable bags under his eyes, and a baseball cap. Authorities report that the 21-year-old victim was sunbathing by herself when the suspect approached and exposed himself.
The woman attempted to flee, but the man chased her down and tackled her from behind, according to police. She managed to escape after a struggle and went to a hospital for a check-up, though she was not physically injured.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Monday near 104th Street and West Drive in Central Park. The suspect is described as a Black man in his 30s, approximately six feet tall with a medium build, wearing a light-colored shirt and shorts.
In response to the attack, authorities have increased patrols in the park and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
This incident follows another shocking crime earlier this month in Queens, where an illegal immigrant suspect allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl after forcing her and another teenager into the woods. The suspect, Christian Geovanny Inga-Landi, was apprehended by good Samaritans who detained him until police arrived.
The NYPD continues to investigate both cases and is committed to ensuring the safety of park-goers.