Bicyclist accused of punching, trying to rape woman in Central Park

MANHATTAN, N.Y. ([PIX11) ---A woman was beaten and almost raped in Central Park over the weekend, police said.

The woman, 38, and a man on a bike were having a conversation before entering the park near 85 East Drive at around 5:10 a.m. Saturday, according to the NYPD. The bicyclist then allegedly pushed the victim over a fence and repeatedly punched her in the face before trying to rape her, police said.

The suspect then rode off and was last seen heading northbound out of the park, police said. There have been no arrests.

The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The suspect and the victim appeared to be strangers, police said.

Rapes are up 40% citywide this year compared to 2023, according to NYPD data. There have been 139 rapes reported this year.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.