Authorities want to speak with 32-year-old Omar Hoist in connection with the attack.
Surveillance video captured the 28-year-old victim with a man outside the park early Sunday morning.
The victim was walking on East 88th Street near 5th Avenue around 3:30 a.m. when police say 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.
Anyone with information in regards is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
