NYPD Looking for Man Raped Woman in Central Park

NYPD are looking for the man who raped a woman in Central Park after walking and sharing a park bench with her early Sunday.

The woman was walking at 88th Street near 5th Avenue about 3:30 a.m. when the suspect approached, according to the NYPD. They started talking and were seen on surveillance video walking together.

They entered the park near 100th Street and walked along a bike path before sitting down on a park bench.

Then things turned violent. The suspect dragged the woman onto the grass, where he raped her. She was eventually able to get away and the suspect fled in the opposite direction.

After the attack, the woman was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.

It's not known if the victim knew the suspect Before Sunday. She told police that the man's first name was Omar.

Park-goers who saw police investigating the scene said they were surprised and disturbed to hear about the assault in the usually safe area.

"It's so wonderful to to have this place and something like this...it breaks your heart," said Elizabeth Wilson.

If you have information, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS 

or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.