21-year-old sun worshipper fends off a rapist in broad daylight in New York’s Central Park

• An unidentified suspect approached the victim and “exposed himself”
• The 21-year-old victim was able to defend himself against him and fled the scene

A woman sunbathing in New York’s Central Park had to defend herself against a man who tried to sexually assault her in broad daylight on Monday.

According to police, the 21-year-old victim was sunbathing alone in the Great Hill area of ​​the park when an unknown man approached her and “exposed himself” shortly after 1:25 p.m.

“She screams and gets up to run away,” NYPD Patrol Chief John Chell said at a press conference Monday evening.

“He attacks her from behind and she is able to fend him off.”

The suspect – described as a black man about 6 feet tall – then fled south along West Drive, police said.

He is described as a man with curly hair and was last seen wearing light-colored shirts and shorts. He is believed to be in his 30s.

The victim was not injured in the attack and was searching the area with police in a patrol car to help search for the suspect, ABC 7 reports.

She is currently in a local hospital under extensive precautionary measures while officers from the Special Victims Unit question her about her experiences.

She is also expected to work with an artist to make a picture of the suspect available to the public.

Meanwhile, police are reviewing surveillance footage from the area in the hope of tracking down the man and have sent additional officers to the park.

“Right now we are searching the entire park for any witnesses or evidence we might find,” Chell said.

“We cut the park into pieces and everyone gets a piece, and they go out to look for witnesses.”

While the investigation continues, police say park visitors should expect drone flights and an increased police presence.

However, officials say they do not believe the incident is part of a larger criminal pattern.