The 35-year-old female victim was jogging in the park around 7:50 a.m. when she was ambushed from behind by the suspect, who attempted to pull her backwards, police say. The victim fought him off and ran deeper into the park, escaping the suspect. She came across him again, took a photo of him with her phone, then fled the park. She was treated for minor injuries by EMS on the scene.
The July 9 incident occurred near Burke Avenue and Bronx Park East. The male suspect is described as slim, between the ages of 17 and 25, and last seen wearing a black shirt and white hoodie.
Rape incidents have been a major problem for the Five-Two this year. The stationhouse saw 19 reported rapes this year as opposed to 14 the same time last year, a 35.7 percent increase.
Misdemeanor sex crimes have also jumped, with 38 reported cases this year compared to 27 the same time a year before.
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call CrimeStoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.