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NYPD Seeks Suspect After 13-Year-Old Raped in Van Cortlandt Park

Police say released surveillance images and a public tip line are meant to help detectives find the man who remains at large and raise alarms about safety at late-night transit stops and park interiors.

Overview

  • Investigators say the assault occurred when a man approached a 13-year-old on a northbound Bx9 bus, exited with her at Broadway and West 261st Street, dragged her into a wooded area of Van Cortlandt Park, and fled on foot after the attack.
  • The victim was taken by EMS to a nearby hospital and is listed in stable condition, according to police statements.
  • The NYPD released images showing a man on the bus wearing a light-colored hooded sweatshirt, gray pants and black sneakers and is asking anyone who recognizes him to call the Sex Crimes Hotline or Crime Stoppers.
  • Special Victims Division detectives and officers from the 50th Precinct are leading the investigation and have posted wanted materials while treating tip calls as confidential.
  • Reportedly, city data show reported rapes are up modestly year-to-date and have doubled in the 50th Precinct compared with last year, a trend that residents say is heightening community fear and focus on transit and park safety.