NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – As warmer weather draws larger crowds to Central Park, the NYPD has ramped up patrols after three violent muggings, two involving firearms, which happened within a 48-hour period.
The first attack happened on Thursday, April 25, when a 28-year-old woman was punched in the face by an attacker at West 97th Street who then snatched her phone and wallet, according to a police report. The report also stated that the suspect sexually assaulted the woman.
Another incident followed on Friday, at around 6 a.m., when a 42-year-old man was assaulted by three men near the Plaza Hotel. One suspect held a gun to his head while another punched him and stole his phone. The victim, who was punched in the face, was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital. The three suspects fled on a moped.
Despite these attacks, locals like Casey Miller, stay careful but not scared. "You got to pay attention and be safe, but you can’t let that stop you from enjoying your day," Casey told 1010 WINS.
New Yorkers enjoying a day outside in Central Park. Photo credit Mary-Lyn Buckley The robbery spree continued into Friday night around 10 p.m. at East Drive and East 109th Street, where two men attempted to rob another man of his phone. The victim fought back and the suspects fled the scene.
No arrests have been made in any of the three cases.
According to NYPD crime statistics, robberies in Central Park have surged in 2024 with incidents increasing from three reported cases last year to 15 as of last Sunday.
Residents like Candy Star, who walks in Central Park daily, said "I don't let that stop me. Hopefully, it'll get better, but I'm still going to go enjoy nature," she stated, and said that she won't let the attacks ruin her routine.
The NYPD has not yet made any arrests in connection with these incidents, but their increased presence in the park can be seen throughout the park.
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