4 victims attacked in 3 separate muggings in Central Park

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Police say four people were robbed in three separate attacks in Central Park over the weekend, though authorities do not believe they are connected.

In the most recent incident, a 19-year-old woman was mugged just south on East Drive at 110th Street at 8:15 p.m. Sunday. Police say she she was approached by a Hispanic man in his 20s, who attempted to strike up a conversation, but the victim ignored him. She said he then claimed to have a knife and demanded her wallet.

He took the wallet - with $20 in cash and credit cards - and fled the scene.

The victim never saw the knife.

The suspect was about 5-foot-4 and 130 pounds, wearing a red hoodie, a white T-shirt, cargo shorts and a black baseball cap.

Two other muggings were reported Saturday night and overnight Sunday.

Police say a large group attacked a couple in a playground near Heckscher Playground at 65th Street at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday in an incident that was caught on surveillance video.

The group started yelling obscenities at the pair, a 17-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man.

A female suspect punched and kicked the girl, and a male grabbed her purse. Another person in the group displayed a Taser, while another flashed a knife. Neither weapon was used.

The couple retrieved the purse nearby and discovered her cell phone was missing.

"In the coming days, you will see an increased uniformed presence," NYPD Chief of Department James O'Neill said. "You will also see an increase in scooters and cars with their lights on. We understand how important Central Park is, and we want to make sure everybody that visits that park stays safe."

Later that night, a 45-year-old man was choked and robbed at gunpoint while walking near 81st Street and Central Park West at around 1 a.m. Sunday.

The man claimed the suspect put him in in a chokehold while placing a gun to his head. He said he lost consciousness, and when he awoke, his knapsack and wallet were missing.

Still, the NYPD stresses that Central Park remains a safe place.

"There were probably a half million people in that park yesterday," NYPD Commissioner William Bratton said. "That park remains one of the safest places in America."

No arrests have been made in any of the incidents.