Sketch released of suspect in attempted sex assault in Central Park
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – The NYPD released a sketch of the suspect who allegedly tried to sexually assault a woman who was sunbathing in Central Park on Monday, police said.
The incident happened in the northwest part of Central Park near the Great Hill by West Drive and West 104th Street around 1:35 p.m. The 21-year-old woman was sunbathing by herself when she saw a man approach her while exposing himself, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell.
“She screams and gets up to run. He tackles her from behind, and she’s able to fight him off,” Chell said.
The suspect fled southbound down West Drive and hasn't been caught, Chell said.
The suspect is believed to be in his 30s and is about 6 feet tall, according to police. He has a medium build, curly hair, and was wearing a light-colored shirt and shorts, police said.
Police have a “strong person of interest” they are looking for, according to NYPD Deputy Commissioner Tarik Sheppard.
"We're pretty sure that this will be the person responsible," Sheppard told PIX11 News.
Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.