Woman sexually assaulted in Central Park; police searching for suspect
NYPD still searching for Central Park sexual assault suspect
Police are still looking for a man who reportedly sexually assaulted a woman he held at knifepoint in Central Park. FOX 5 NY's Lisa Evers has the latest.
NEW YORK - Police are looking for a suspect after an armed sexual assault was reported in Central Park Saturday night.
Central Park rape investigation
What we know:
Police responded to a call for an assault near the eastern edge of Central Park at the intersection of East 66th Street and Fifth Avenue just after 8:30 p.m.
They were told at the scene that an unidentified man armed with a knife approached a 39-year-old woman and sexually assaulted her.
The victim is currently recovering and is listed in stable condition while undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
File Photo.
Witnesses and nearby residents reported seeing a heavy emergency response, with eight to ten police officers converging on the scene while a visibly distressed woman stood just outside the park's perimeter wall.
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin publicly condemned the assault on social media, expressing support for the victim:
"My thoughts are with the survivor and I hope she makes a full recovery," Menin wrote. "Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe in our city. The perpetrator remains at large, but I have confidence that the NYPD will work swiftly to apprehend him and bring him to justice."
Police search for rape suspect
What we don't know:
Police said the suspect fled the scene wearing a black sweatshirt and black pants, and had a black backpack.
Further details have yet to be released.
What you can do:
Police are continuing their hunt for the suspect as the investigation unfolds, and authorities are asking anyone who was in the area around 8:30 p.m. and knows anything about what happened or where the perpetrator may be to come forward.
Anyone with any information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or, for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online here or on social media @NYPDTips.
The Source: This story was written with information from the NYPD's Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI).