The New York Police Department has increased patrols in Central Park after three muggings took place there last weekend. Three people were mugged at gunpoint Sunday morning near East 102nd Street. Police are searching for three suspects – one man was arrested, but released after he wasn’t picked in a line-up. The released suspect is facing a weapons charge because policemen say he had a .38-caliber revolver in his possession.
Back on November 2, another man was attacked near the East Drive and the Great Lawn. A week before that, there was another mugging near 97th Street and West Drive. Police do not believe the incidents are connected – I don’t think so either, however this is a reminder that with the Park getting dark by around five pm now it is advisable to take some common sense precautions.
Stick to parts of the Park drive that are well populated with dog walkers and other runners – in general the farther north you get in the park the sparser the crowds, this applies especially after seven PM in the winter months. The NYRR has a number of running groups that meet every night that accommodate runners at a variety of speeds and distances.
thanks for the info! i think it would help if the specific time was mentioned with each incident. also are all these within the park? is it safer on the street directly outside the park? thanks!
[...] A series of muggings in Central Park has led to renewed awareness of dangers in the park, along with additional police presence. In the past few weeks, several muggings occurred in the park (each of the separate incidents likely unrelated), including three muggings early Sunday morning near East Drive and 102nd. The three men who committed the Sunday muggings are still being sought after a suspect was arrested but later released due to not being selected in a lineup. All incidents have occurred after dark in the north end of the park. While you can expect a greater number of police officers in the park as a result of the string of muggings, it is always important to take safety precautions like staying in well-lit and well-populated areas, especially late at night. [Source: Central Park Blogger] [...]