NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — The NYPD released a sketch on Thursday of a suspect wanted for the attempted rape a sunbathing 21-year-old woman in Central Park on Monday afternoon.
Detectives have identified a person of interest in the crime, which has led to an extensive manhunt for the offender.
The man, depicted in the sketch, was described earlier this week by cops as being in his 30s and six-feet-tall. He was last seen wearing a green shirt, blue jeans and a blue hat.
The attack occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Monday 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 on Monday, NYPD brass said that the woman saw the suspect approach her and expose his genitals, at which point she screamed.
He tried to get on top of her, but she shook him off. The suspect then tackled the young woman from behind, but she managed to fight him off a second time and run off while screaming.
The victim was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Officials said that the suspect ran off in an unknown direction.
Police patrolled the park and drones were used in Monday’s search. Alongside officers, the victim also canvassed to look for the suspect in an attempt to make up for a lack of witnesses or cameras.
“Horrific incident and we will catch him,” Mayor Eric Adams said when asked about the attempted assault during his Tuesday media availability.
“Individuals in general, but specifically women, should have a right to walk the streets, the right to enjoy our city without an animal like that carrying out a terrible act like that,” Adams said. “Our hearts go out to the young lady that's involved.”