NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — The man accused of attempting to rape a sunbathing woman in Central Park last week was indicted on Wednesday, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced.
Jermaine Longmire, 43, was charged with attempted rape and sexual abuse, prosecutors said.
The suspect was taken into custody after DNA linked him to the Central Park assault after he was picked up for reaching up a woman's dress at the 103rd Street station on June 15, sources told 1010 WINS.
"As alleged, Jermaine Longmire attempted to rape a woman in Central Park while she was sunbathing last month. Our parks should be a place where New Yorkers can relax without fearing for their safety, and this alleged conduct will not be tolerated," DA Bragg said.
The attack occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday, June 24, in the Great Hill section of Central Park.
Officers responded to the location after it was reported that the man tried to sexually assault the woman as she laid out in the park near 104th Street and Central Park West.
At a press conference, the NYPD said that the woman saw the suspect approach her and expose his genitals, at which point she screamed.
He then attempted to get on top of her, but she shook him off. The suspect then tackled the woman from behind, but she managed to fight him off a second time and run off while screaming.
The suspect ran off in an unknown direction and officials released a sketch of him on Thursday along with a $3,500 reward.
The victim was transported to an area hospital for evaluation.