NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Police have arrested the man who allegedly raped a woman while she was jogging in Central Park Thursday morning, the NYPD announced Saturday.
At about 7:20 a.m., Paulie Valez, 25, allegedly grabbed the 27-year-old victim from behind and choked her until she lost consciousness, police confirmed. The attack occurred at Swan Lake near the park's iconic Wollman Ice Rink.
The victim likely lost consciousness at one point, cops confirmed.
The NYPD released a series of photos and video allegedly showing Valez wearing all black, describing him as a person wanted for questioning in the attack. Cops told 1010 WINS Valez was arrested through a tip from the CrimeStoppers tip line.
Valez, who police believe is homeless, faces charges for rape, robbery, strangulation, assault, sex abuse and criminal possession of stolen property.
"I didn't do it," Valez told reporters when asked if he committed the crimes, as he was walked out of an NYPD precinct house Saturday morning.
About 45 minutes later, a second woman was attacked in a separate, unrelated incident near the 103rd Street Footbridge of Randall's Island, the NYPD said.
Officials said a suspect who matched the attacker's description was taken into custody after the second incident. Cops said the person was apprehended after the victim called for help.
According to WCBS -TV, that suspect is Howard Shaw, 38. Police said he had four prior arrests, and committed a rape in 2005.
Both women were taken to hospitals in stable condition.
Stepped up patrols were in Central Park Friday, but police underscored that residents shouldn't feel alarmed to visit the park.
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