NYPD probing attacks on 2 women near Riverside Park
NEW YORK -- Police are investigating attacks on two women near Riverside Park that could be connected.
The NYPD plans to hold a press conference on the latest developments around 9 a.m. Friday.
Both assaults happened along Riverside Drive. The first one took place Tuesday on the bike path at Riverside Park and 89th Street.
Police said a 38-year-old woman was jogging along the bike path at around 10 p.m., when a man on a bicycle approached her. Investigators said the man got off his bike, pushed the woman to the ground, and proceeded to sexually assault her. He got away, leaving the victim with minor bruises and scratches.
Watch Naveen Dhaliwal's initial report
Then on Thursday at around 5 a.m. and 30 blocks south, police said a 33-year-old woman was walking at Riverside Park and 59th Street, when a man tried to talk to her and then suddenly threw her to the ground and took her cellphone before taking off. Detectives said there was no attempt of a sexual assault, but that woman suffered lacerations.
New Yorkers rely on green space even into the night for exercise and leisure, but for some, the peace is broken after hearing about these assaults.
"It's scary. It's scary," Madison Bollaert said.
"They work late or they work odd hours, and they should be able to be free," another person said.
Bollaert says she was in the park, working out, late one day a few weeks ago, but now she's concerned.
"This is way too isolated .. I will not be out here that late," she said. "It could've been me. It could've been anyone."
Both victims were taken to the hospital and are expected to be OK.
Police are looking into whether the same suspect is responsible for both attacks.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). You can also submit a tip via their website or via DM on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.