October 27, 2026 NEW YORK, NY Fear has gripped visitors and residents near New York City’s most famous landmark after police confirmed a second sexual assault inside Central Park in just seven days.

Investigators with the NYPD have released security photos and are urgently appealing to the public for help identifying a man wanted in connection with a violent weekend attack.

According to police sources, a 39-year-old woman was walking near East 67th Street and East Drive at approximately 8:30 p.m. on Saturday when an unidentified man approached her, brandished a knife, and sexually assaulted her. Emergency responders were called to the scene, and the victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment and care.

A Chilling Pattern and a Growing Manhunt

Police described the perpetrator as last seen wearing a black top, black pants, and carrying a black backpack.

What makes this incident particularly alarming for local residents and parkgoers is that it marks the second violent attack in Central Park within a single week. Just six days earlier, on the previous Sunday, a 32-year-old woman was attacked near West 93rd Street and West Drive.

The rapid succession of incidents has raised fresh concerns over safety within the park’s perimeter after dark.

Rising Statistics in the Heart of Manhattan

Official NYPD crime statistics highlight a troubling trend in the area. Through October 18, four rapes have been reported within the Central Park Precinct, compared to three during the same timeframe last year.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from surrounding entry points and ask anyone with information regarding the suspect's identity or whereabouts to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers hotline immediately.