Yet another Central Park mugging raises concerns about increased crime

CENTRAL PARK (WABC) -- Yet another mugging incident in Central Park has raised concerns about a spike in crime in the famed landmark.

Police say a 55-year-old man was pushed to the ground and robbed in Central Park Thursday afternoon, the second attack in the north side of the park in less than 24 hours.

The victim was reportedly attacked by a knife-wielding suspect near Central Park North and East Drive at around 3 p.m.

According to authorities, the suspect grabbed the victim by the neck and waved a knife, stating "I'll f--- you up, give me your money."

He threatened to kill his victim, threw him to the ground and punched him in the face before stealing $40 and attempting to flee, but the victim screamed, alerting nearby officers.

Davis Contreras Hernandez, 29, was arrested at the scene. He was charged with robbery, menacing, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

"I try and avoid the park at night, but 3 o'clock in the day, it's pretty bright," Queens resident Erik Ewton said. "You would think that's not going to happen."

On Wednesday night, a bicyclist was robbed at gunpoint by three suspects while riding in the same area.

Authorities say the 24-year-old victim was stopped by the suspects at East 107th Street and East Drive about 11:45 p.m.

One suspect reportedly handed a gun off to another, who put it to the bicyclist's head and demanded money.

He handed over $84 and his cell phone, and the suspects fled. The victim was not injured.

Additionally, a woman was robbed at 11 a.m. last week.

A source with the NYPD tells Eyewitness News that patrols have been increased, and with good reason. From January 1 to July 19 of last year, there were only nine robberies in the park. Over that same period this year, it has nearly doubled to 17. And you can add these incidents to that list.

"When I spoke to the police officer here, he told me that they were here to show force," tourist Phillip Brunyee said.

The incidents are changing some park-goers perception of when and where they feel safest.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-577-TIPS.