Central Park rape suspect caught on surveillance video

NEW YORK

The video shows the suspect and the 28-year-old victim entering the park together early Sunday morning.

Authorities say the victim was walking on East 88th Street near 5th Avenue around 3:30 a.m. when she was approached by the suspect.

They began talking and continued to walk together toward Central Park.

Both the victim and the suspect eventual entered Central Park near 100th Street, and after walking along a bike path, both sat down on a bench.

Police say the suspect then turned violent, dragging the woman into a grassy area and raping her.

The victim managed to flee the scene, and the suspect fled on foot in the opposite direction.

After the attack, the victim ran to Mount Sinai Hospital.

The suspect is described as a black male in his early 30s, standing 5-foot-6 to 5-foot-9. He was last seen wearing a red hat, black leather jacket and blue jeans.

The suspect reportedly told the victim his name was Omar.

Anyone with information in regards is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).

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