Masked Stranger Punches and Stabs Jogger in Prospect Park; Investigation Underway
A 26-year-old woman was attacked while running inside Brooklyn's Prospect Park; police say the masked assailant fled and no arrests have been made.
On Sept. 17, about 5:15 a.m., a masked stranger attacked a 26-year-old woman who was jogging on South Lake Drive inside Prospect Park in Brooklyn, punching her repeatedly and stabbing her in the back with an unknown object before fleeing the scene. The assault, described by authorities as unprovoked, occurred in the park’s early-morning hours.
The victim later sought treatment at SUNY Downstate Medical Center for a puncture wound to her back. Sources said she then went to the NYPD’s 78th Precinct on Thursday to report the incident, explaining she had been waiting for hospital discharge papers before coming forward. As of Friday, no arrests had been announced and investigators were continuing to gather evidence.
Police say the suspect was wearing a face mask, a black hoodie and black pants at the time of the attack. Investigators have not disclosed a motive and have asked anyone with information to contact the 78th Precinct or Crime Stoppers. No arrests have been announced as of Friday, and the case remains under active investigation.
The NYPD said it would review surveillance footage and canvass the area for additional witnesses. The department urges park users who see suspicious activity to report it immediately and cooperates with investigators as they seek to identify the assailant.
This incident highlights safety concerns in New York City parks during early-morning hours and the importance of timely reporting to law enforcement to aid investigations.