Police investigate a string of crimes in Central Park

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) — People walking in Central Park are on high alert as police have been investigating five separate crimes in the area, including robberies and sexual assault.

The latest incident happened on Monday around 10 a.m. when a man snatched a phone from a woman who was taking pictures and threw it into a pond.

Before the incident on Monday, a tourist sitting on a bench with his camera equipment had it snatched by a suspect who fled eastbound on 5th Avenue on Saturday around 1 p.m.

“It’s alarming; I don’t know what the crime rate is here in New York City,” said the tourist, who didn’t want to be identified.

On Friday, two incidents took place. The first one happened at 6 a.m. , when three suspects attacked a 41-year-old man while he was taking pictures in the park. One of the attackers took a gun out and pointed it at his head.

The victim was punched in the face and taken to the hospital. The three suspects fled by moped.

Then, at 10 p.m. that evening, two people pulled a gun on a 25-year-old male and tried to grab his phone.

“Makes me want to grip my phone a little tighter, I don’t know… it doesn’t feel very safe all the time,” said Mehr Kaur, a Long Island resident visiting the park.

On Thursday evening, a woman was attacked and sexually assaulted by a suspect, who also took her phone and wallet. Although increased police activity was seen in Central Park, some people believe it may not be the solution.

“I guess it’s hard for a police officer to spot it, no one is going to rob in front of the police,” said Michael Tabz, a New York City resident.

Robbery reports are rising in Central Park, according to NYPD crime statistics. Police have responded to at least 15 incidents so far in 2024, compared to three incidents during the same time last 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).

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