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NYPD searches for man who sexually assaulted woman while sunbathing in Central Park

New York police are searching for a man who sexually assaulted a 21-year-old woman while she was sunbathing in Central Park.

The sexual assault occurred on Monday afternoon in the Great Hill section of Central Park, said John Chell, chief of patrol for the New York Police Department (NYPD), at a press conference on Monday.

The attacker approached the woman, who was sunbathing alone, and exposed himself, Chell said. The woman screamed and tried to run away, but the man then attacked her from behind and tried to climb on top of her, Chell said.

Officers speak to reporters about a sexual assault in Central Park on Monday. (New York Police Department)Officers speak to reporters about a sexual assault in Central Park on Monday. (New York Police Department)

Officers speak to reporters about a sexual assault in Central Park on Monday. (New York Police Department)

The woman managed to fight off the attacker, who then ran away, Chell said. The 21-year-old was taken to a local hospital, where she spoke with investigators.

Police have been searching for witnesses, viewing nearby cameras and using drones to search the area. Officers have also set up a mobile command center and cordoned off the area, NBC New York reports.

Officers “will continue to be here until we feel the perpetrator is no longer on the streets,” said Tarik Sheppard, deputy police commissioner of the NYPD.

The woman who was attacked was taken to a hospital where she spoke with detectives, police said. (Fox 5 New York)The woman who was attacked was taken to a hospital where she spoke with detectives, police said. (Fox 5 New York)

The woman who was attacked was taken to a hospital where she spoke with detectives, police said. (Fox 5 New York)

Police hope to install cameras in more parts of Central Park because many of the criminal incidents occur “off the beaten path,” says Kaz Daughtry, NYPD deputy chief of operations.

There are no signs of sexual assault in Central Park and its surroundings, Chell said.