Person of interest in custody in Central Park attempted sex assault: sources

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) – A person of interest is in custody related to an attempted sexual assault in Central Park last week, sources told PIX11 News Tuesday.

The Manhattan man was arrested in connection with a different alleged forcible touching incident in the same area, sources said. Detectives were then able to connect him as a person of interest in the Central Park attack, sources said.

The man is suspected of exposing himself to a 21-year-old who was sunbathing in the park near West Drive and West 104th Street around 1:35 p.m. last Monday, according to NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell. When she ran away, he tackled her from behind, and the young woman fought him off, police said.

A few days later, police released a sketch of the alleged attacker and solicited the public’s help. No surveillance cameras caught the attack.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here .

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