Suspect arrested for attempted rape in Manhattan – NBC New York

The man wanted in connection with an attack on a woman sunbathing in Central Park has been arrested and faces several charges, police said.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Jermaine Longmire, was arrested shortly before 2 p.m. Wednesday for his alleged role in the June 24 incident. He was charged with attempted first-degree rape and attempted sexual abuse, police said.

The charges were filed after a 21-year-old woman was soaking up some rays in Manhattan Park around 1:30 p.m. when she saw a man approach her and expose himself. She told police she was alone at the time, in the Great Hill area between West 104th Street and West Drive in the park.

She tried to run away, but he grabbed her from behind, police said. She screamed and managed to fight him off. He escaped, running south down West Drive.

The victim was taken to the hospital, police said. She was able to give authorities information about the suspect, they said.

Police said Longmire had been arrested eight times in New York City, as well as in Florida, Maryland and New Jersey. He was previously wanted in March in another case on a forcible touching charge in which he allegedly approached a woman from behind and grabbed her.

Longmire also had arrest warrants in connection with other incidents of violent touching that occurred in 2023. According to police, he also approached other women from behind on public transportation and groped them.

He was arrested on June 26 on an outstanding warrant for his arrest. While in custody, a DNA sample taken from the victim’s bikini bottoms in Central Park was found to belong to Longmire.

Information about Longmire’s attorney was not immediately clear.