2 people punched, mugged in separate Central Park attacks in 24-hour span
CENTRAL PARK (WABC) -- Two people were punched in two separate attacks in Central Park on Thursday, police say.
In the first attack, a 42-year-old man was punched and mugged at gunpoint by three men while taking pictures in Central Park, police say.
The man was held up at East 59th Street and East Drive just after 6 a.m. The attack happened in a prominent area, off Grand Army Plaza, and near the Plaza Hotel and the flagship Apple Store.
One of the suspects put a gun to the man's head, while another punched in him the face.
The victim was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital with minor injuries to the face.
The three men, all wearing black and donning black masks, fled with two cell phones and a wallet toward the pond.
This was the second notable attack reported in the park this month. Actor Michael Stuhlbarg was allegedly assaulted by a 27-year-old man who threw a rock at him.
Later on Thursday, a 28-year-old woman was walking Westbound on West 97th Street and West Drive when someone grabbed her by the arm and demanded money.
The suspect punched the woman in the face, causing her to fall to the ground. He grabbed her phone and fled. While the woman was on the ground, the suspect brushed against her breast with his elbow while taking her phone. No arrests have been made.
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