NEW YORK (WABC) — Police are searching for a man they say sexually assaulted a woman in Central Park on Saturday night.

Investigators said the attack happened near East 66th Street and Fifth Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. The victim, a 39-year-old woman, was taken to a hospital. The suspect fled the scene.

Details about the man being sought remain limited. Investigators believe he is in his 30s and was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and carrying a black backpack. No arrests had been made as of Sunday.

Witness Andrew Trahair said he encountered the scene while riding his bicycle through the park shortly after the attack.

“I rode past them and there were eight police officers here. The woman was standing there and was quite shaken,” Trahair said.

Trahair said he came upon the scene at about 8:45 p.m. and observed officers speaking with a woman who appeared distressed.

The attack prompted concern among parkgoers Sunday morning.

Jenny Lee, who was headed to a volunteer event in the park, said the violence altered her plans.

“I’m going to take a walk and wait until it’s later out, because I have to go and do a volunteer event inside the park,” said Lee.

Lee said she decided to wait until daylight before entering the park.

Councilwoman Virginia Maloney, who represents the Upper East Side, issued a statement following the attack.

“I run in Central Park myself. Women deserve to feel safe there, at any hour.”

According to NYPD statistics cited in the report, there have been four reported rapes so far this year, compared with three during the same period in 2025. The figures do not include this weekend’s assault.

Ian Moreira, who frequents the area for work, said the incident was unsettling.

“It’s very scary actually, because I come here a lot, especially to this area,” said Moreira.

Pablo Agustim Escobar, who was visiting Central Park for the NYRR Kids Race, said he hopes the suspect is apprehended.

“I cannot even imagine hoe she would feel and I hope the responsible is found,” he said.

The investigation remains ongoing as police continue to search for the suspect.

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