A woman who was randomly punched in the face in Central Park spoke exclusively with Eyewitness News on the same day that the NYPD announced they had arrested someone for her attack.
While speaking to the media, an anonymous woman shared her terrifying experience that occurred last Friday afternoon. She disclosed that she had just completed her run in the park near 102nd Street when an unknown man suddenly attacked her, punching her in the face before fleeing the scene.
The woman recounted her disturbing encounter, explaining, “He approached me, and as I caught sight of him, I quickly glanced in his direction. I barely had a chance to process what was happening when, without warning or provocation, he struck me in the face while I was distracted by my phone.”
The NYPD announced on Thursday that they have apprehended Marquinton Moore, a 29-year-old individual who is currently homeless, in connection with the assault.
The woman endured a split nose and a busted lip.
She described the scene as filled with blood, with its presence evident everywhere.
Crime in Central Park has seen a significant increase this summer, with a series of violent crimes occurring in the area. In fact, there has been a 41% rise in crime compared to the same period last year.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) suspects that migrant children and teenagers could be behind several incidents involving knife-point robberies. In an effort to apprehend the culprits, the NYPD has released surveillance photos of three teenagers believed to have robbed a 27-year-old woman in the park on August 11. The perpetrators allegedly stole her phone and purse, subsequently using her credit card.
The NYPD has ramped up patrols in the park and is set to employ drones for crime monitoring.
