What was supposed to be a pleasant morning jog through the park, became a nightmare for a woman at Fort Tryon Park in Inwood, as she was robbed and assaulted at knifepoint.
The 35-year-old victim was attacked and dragged behind a tree by her hair at 10:50 a.m. near Dyckman Street and the Henry Hudson Parkway.
The twisted individual punched the victim in the face and pulled a knife on her before he sexually assaulted her. He then robbed her, taking her watch and cellphone, valued at about $630.
The victim suffered an injury to her left eye, left arm, and right leg. She was taken to Harlem Hospital in stable condition, although she was quite shaken up by the experience.
The attacker left the scene on a dark motorized scooter, headed southbound on Riverside Drive.
Police released surveillance footage of the attacker, seen in a black hooded sweatshirt with lettering on the back that said “Honor Thy Gift.”
News of the attack left parkgoers on edge Saturday.
“It’s making me pause, making me think we all need to be more careful,” 26-year-old Ali C. said, who says she has been taking extra measures to feel safe while walking her dog. “I carry my mace, so in general I feel safe, I have my dog. If people come near me or at me she barks, so in general I feel safe, but you can’t be too careful.”
Inna Budaeva, 34, said she comes to the park often to bicycle but tries not to come alone and avoids the path.
“I mean I don’t usually feel safe in parks but especially now,” Budaeva said.
Nicola Iagonigro, 64, said she considers herself a “tough lady” but said as a woman you can never be too safe.
“I’ll just carry around a bigger knife,” Iagonigro said after hearing of the assault.
Looks like a negro.
No mention of race so he probably is