Manhunt for man who sexually harassed woman in Central Park

Erin Pflaumer and Julie Millet

10 minutes ago

CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (PIX11) – Police are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Central Park on Monday.

The attack occurred in broad daylight around 1:30 p.m. near West 140th Street and West Drive in the Great Hills section of the park, according to the NYPD. A 21-year-old woman was sunbathing when a man exposed himself to her and then attacked her, police said.

The woman screamed, authorities said. New York police deployed forces from across Manhattan, including a helicopter and drones, to search every part of the 800-hectare park.

Walkers in the park told PIX11 News they expect police to catch the suspect soon.

While crime in Central Park is on the rise this year, sexual assaults are down 72%, according to NYPD statistics. The crimes that typically occur in the park are robberies and assaults, according to police.

The woman was taken to a nearby hospital and is being cared for by investigators from the Special Victims Division. Authorities say she is physically healthy.