A man raped a woman at knifepoint in a New York City park, and the attack happened at a time when most people would least expect: the sun was shining and joggers were out and about.
The NYPD released details Thursday of the May 17 rape at Gorman Park in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. The 42-year-old victim reported the attack to police this week.
Police said she was jogging in the park around 7:30 p.m. when a man pulled a knife on her and dragged her into a wooded area where no one would see. He then raped her at knifepoint and ran off.
This all happened in broad daylight in a park that is generally safe but has isolated sections, hidden away by hills and trees. Many women in the area are rethinking their safety after the attack.
"You feel uncomfortable. Like sometimes you get stares. But then the fact that someone actually acts upon that is beyond me," one woman said.
Melanie Cubilete often jogs in the park and said the attack has unnerved her.
"That is pretty traumatic. Especially for a female, because we’re always vulnerable," Cubilete said. "In this neighborhood I never felt unsafe at any point. So this is shocking for me."
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No arrests have been made in the case. Those with information are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
