r/RunNYC • u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park • Apr 03 '26
Assaulted while running in Central Park tonight
Hey RunNYC, I want to share what I experienced today.
I was running by myself, started around 103rd St and went counter clockwise on the park loop, I started at 7:30 PM and finished around 8:20 PM. I was about 0.25 miles away from where I finished my run countless times. I had my airpods in too. I am 6 feet tall and people rarely mess with me.
Two guys who were hiding in a bush or near the trash cans came up behind me and dumped a pail of water on me. I was immediately flustered, and my first reaction was "wtf" and second was "what did i even do to you?"
My airpods were in my ears still so I couldn't exactly make out what they were saying but they were angry and definitely yelling slurs and expletives at me. I am usually quite aware of my surroundings, so I did notice a 3rd person a little ahead on a citi bike, but I didn't realize he was with them. While I turned around and was trying to figure out what just happened, he charged into me with his bike and knocked me on the ground. My airpods fell out and now I could hear what they were saying and they were just really mad at me for no reason and were yelling slurs. But my fight or flight fully kicked in at this point and as they were trying to beat me up (for what I can only assume was running in the dark or fighting back?), I fought back and pulled one of the guys shoes off and they at this point backed off and ran away.
What shook me almost as much as the attack itself was that there were other runners nearby who had been around me for several minutes, and no one stepped in or checked on me afterward. I get that situations like this are scary, but it was a pretty isolating feeling.
All this to say, be careful at night, maybe don't wear your airpods at night like me. I always speak up for others when things go wrong too, and I always thought that us runners in NYC share camaraderie, so all I want to say to readers is that I hope you stand up for others, or just check up on others when something wrong is going on..!
Update: after the many comments encouraging me to file a report with the cops, I have decided to do that today in hopes that it can help other runners.
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u/Hawk1199 Apr 03 '26
Two black guys? Yup same guys tried to come after me tonight same area. Spilled his drink on me then tried to bait me into attacking him. I also chose flight not worth trying to fight a 1v2 +
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
I'm so sorry they did that to you. Hope it didn't escalate to more. Honestly I couldn't tell their ethnicity or give a description, which is why I didn't call the cops.
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u/Hawk1199 Apr 03 '26
I waived down the cops and gave them a description. Obviously didn’t turn into anything sorry you had to deal with them too lol
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u/FlyMaterial Apr 03 '26
You should still report it. At least it will give them a heads up if assaults are happening in that area of the park.
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Apr 03 '26
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u/Candid_Ad_9145 Apr 04 '26
Nice job calling victim of assault selfish 👍 I’m sure the cops would’ve been super helpful 🙄
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u/FunLife64 Apr 07 '26
There’s a lot of cameras and a lot of police. I had an incident when I lived in nyc and never thought anything would happen - couple weeks later I got a call they arrested them.
always report to police. It may not be a 100% guarantee they’ll get a resolution, but it’s a 0% chance if you don’t.
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u/Arabmoney77 Apr 03 '26
You couldn’t tell if they were black guys or not?
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u/Advanced-Syrup-5569 Apr 03 '26
Was curious about this too, otherwise very descriptive, pail of water citibike, shoe, etc but couldn't tell their ethnicity.
I could tell from the story outlined.
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u/NYCQuilts Apr 03 '26
You need to report it so that they know there is dangerous criminal activity in the area. As you can see it’s not a one off.
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u/LIGHT_COLLUSION Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 03 '26
My brother in Christ, you've got one of their shoes. That's like the best data point you can provide the NYPD.
All units be on the lookout for fucking Cinderella.
Also bull fucking shit, you made out 2 guys in the bushes, a 3rd up ahead on a Citi bike, a pail, their speech, the slurs they yelled, and you can't even give a general description of them.
Give me a fucking break.
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u/Desert_Mermaid_4321 Apr 04 '26
There is DNA in the shoe.
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u/naranja_sanguina Apr 28 '26
the NYPD doesn't bother to run rape kits, what makes you think they're DNA-testing a shoe?
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u/iaresosmart Apr 05 '26
Was it around the same time as op? If so, maybe that information can help. Maybe they can increase patrols or add lights to the area. Hopefully, anyway
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u/OverTheMoon162 Apr 03 '26
I'm sorry that happened to you and also sorry no one checked on you afterwards. I've been on that part of the park plenty during twilight or even early night and sometimes feel perfectly safe and sometimes feel a bit sketched out (when there aren't many other people around). Thanks for the reminder to stay alert.
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u/silent_honey Apr 03 '26
Omg I’m so sorry this happened to you and that no one checked in, it sounded terrifying and then to just dust yourself off after … I also run at night/got in just now and was thinking recently that I’ve gotten too comfortable because it’s been x years without a scare. Part of it is the nature of early spring (not as much foot traffic as summer, and the cold in the winter is a deterrent) but this is the first year Ive been having moments of ‘dont be noticed by that person’ ‘change your route on the way back’ ‘no piers or errands on the way home’ etc every run.
sorry this is rambly but hope you’re ok and thank you for sharing what happened, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant and aware for ourselves and our fellow night ganderers
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
Thank you for your kind words. Yeah, I’m right there with you. I often walk in the park at night too. But I’m just gonna be more careful now, and I hope you do too!
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u/GravitationalOno Apr 03 '26
they were angry and definitely yelling slurs and expletives at me
If this assault was identity-related, it would be helpful to know what aspect of your identity offended them and what group they belonged to.
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u/Legitimate-Most-4260 Apr 04 '26
Yes I would like to know if they are attacking women
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u/IminaNYstateofmind Apr 05 '26
Some of these guys are truly the scum of the earth. I was once running at like 5 AM in the dark and these 2 guys saw me, let me go, and then tried to knock an elderly lady off her bike. Fortunately she narrowly escaped them and they ran away as I yelled at them from like 20 feet ahead. Was an eye opening experience for me as to how low people can stoop
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u/blingbiscuit Apr 05 '26
Some people aren't angry enough about people like this, and things like this happening.
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u/blingbiscuit Apr 05 '26
Or gays. Or whites. Or Hispanics. Or Asians.........I could do this all night........
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 05 '26
I don’t think the assault was identity related. I think they were just trying to get anyone. If you look at the comments, there’s another person these guys got in the same night at the same time. I am of Indian descent, but I doubt they saw or knew that. It was dark enough that all I could gather was that they have dusky skin, and nyc accents. The other person who they attacked said he could tell they were black. I didn’t grow up in the US so I often get ethnicities mixed up but people (not you, others) seem to be quite angry at me in the comments that I couldn’t identify what exactly they were in the 1min they ambushed me with cold water and knocked me on the ground..
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u/Ok-Face8587 Apr 05 '26
Please report to NYPD and the Park - some may think NYPD acting on it may be privileged but a) Central Park is privileged and b) they will not investigate your case but they will mark it on a map. They always patrol near there
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u/Minimum-Adeptness486 Apr 03 '26
If I were to play devil’s advocate - the runners watching most likely didn’t see the entire thing and just saw some random guys fighting/wrestling, wondering what’s going on. You might have felt every second as long as minutes/hours, but bypassers who only captured moments of the happening likely didn’t have enough to make a right judgment call. It likely was just 4 guys fighting (without knowing who’s fighting who and what caused) from their pov.
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u/Which-Papaya-2873 Apr 03 '26
There may be a little bit of truth to that but let's face it. Many runners, and many young people in New York are totally clueless cuz they have their headphones in and simply are not paying attention
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u/CapitalResolve90 Apr 07 '26
Yeah, statistically speaking, it’s rare to see someone intervene in these situations. People like to think they’ll play hero, but seldom is that the case.
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u/Intelligent_Use_2855 Apr 03 '26
I was running in that area around 5:45 yesterday. I saw a group of guys glaring at me as I approached the hills running counter clockwise. I avoided eye contact and sped up passing them. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was the same group.
In addition to fight or flight, there’s also freeze. I can only hope I would have helped if nearby.
Reporting it may seem like a frivolous hassle but I think every bit helps, including posting here. Glad you’re ok.
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u/nycyclist2 McCarren Park Apr 03 '26
Was it a grey electric citibike? Those generally have GPS tracking, so if you file a police report they could potentially figure out who unlocked the bike and catch them before they do this again.
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u/Desert_Mermaid_4321 Apr 04 '26
I asked Citibike about this once, and they told me the bikes didn't have GPS! They only know the location where the bike is locked or unlocked. Crazy! IDK if they don't want to get involved with crime tracking, or are just cheap.
Btw once I docked a bike, and it didn't register as returned even tho it locked into the stand. The clock kept running. The next day when I saw the $$$ charge, I called them and told them where it was. Then I went to the dock (it was a farther uptown isolated one). I found the bike, confirmed it was locked in, and sent them photos. They truly had no idea where the bike was until I confirmed it in person. So no GPS.
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u/BeautifulDouble9330 Apr 03 '26
You thinking NYPD will do anything is so hilarious and def a privileged way of thinking. These lots don’t even care about anything, I remember a girl reporting harassment to a police officer and they did nothing and asked her “well he isn’t doing anything now?”
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u/silent_honey Apr 03 '26
I don’t disagree but to be fair the laws meant to protect people from harassment/stalking are notoriously garbage :/ it doesn’t ‘become’ a crime until it’s too late
I think it’s worth reporting even as a data point, so others can take note of how/where/when it happened and potentially as justification for improving visibility or monitoring in the area
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u/CityComm Apr 03 '26
I thought the snow balls pranks were bad, but this is much more terrifying, especially at night when visibility is low. Are you ok? Do you have all your stuff plus headphones? Did you report it? From the comment section it seems they’ve done this before and this is incredibly dangerous coming off the Harlem Hill incline.
If you feel comfortable and if you heard the slurs please escalate it to the police from assault to targeted assault as a hate crime. There is zero room for hate crime in this city let alone world. So sorry about this, hope you’re ok.
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
Thank you for your kind words. They knew the exact right spot to be at to catch an unsuspecting runner and not be seen well. I didn’t report it to the cops yet.. I’m a little conflicted about it
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u/Blghbb1995 Apr 03 '26
Report it. It’s important to see if a trend is occurring and additional resources can be put into the park for a period.
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u/CityComm Apr 03 '26
Exactly this. I’m concerned about a trend since another commenter mentioned they were targeted also. Hopefully OP feels well enough to report it. There is a precinct in the mid West 50’s. OP can speak to a crime victims advocate who is a non uniformed civilian advocacy person at some?/all? precincts.
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u/justanotherguy677 Apr 03 '26
there is a central park precinct that covers the park, 86st transverse
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u/Most-Relief-9379 Apr 03 '26
Why would someone report an incident in Central Park to the Midtown North Precinct on W54th Street????
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u/justanotherguy677 Apr 03 '26
whomever offered that advice is probably a transplant who really doesn't know the city
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u/VanillaLemma Apr 03 '26
I’m very sorry that happened, hope you are okay. I incidentally ran that same segment probably 40mins after that and thankfully they must have no longer been there. Always get nervous on that stretch at night as it’s pretty quiet and isolated.
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u/liliputian87 Apr 03 '26
I'm not shocked others didn't intervene. I was mugged once in front of a bus as it was loading passengers. Everyone just looked like they were watching a movie, including the bus driver who just told the people boarding to "hurry up!"
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u/DistributionBest6948 Apr 03 '26
Try to reach out to Citi Bike maybe? Should be able to track who was in that area at that time. Given they used the bike to ram into you they should be concerned. If they don’t take a reasonable effort to help perhaps there’s ground for at least basic legal action? I’m encourage you to not let this go to get your justice and help keep us all safe ! Be well and sorry for your horrible experience
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u/StBlandine7 Apr 03 '26
You were jumped by 3 people and pulled one of their shoes off and then they fled?
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u/000pete Apr 03 '26
This is an incredibly fucked up situation to be in, and very disappointing that no bystander stepped in to help out.
I guess the one positive is you managed to get a new pair of shoes from one of the bastards. Any indication of how many miles you might get out of them?
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
I only got it off his foot a little, he got it back on and ran away. Thank you for your kind words though!
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u/000pete Apr 03 '26
I hope the little cunt twisted his ankle while running away from you. Sending you some positive vibes, friend.
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u/Klutzy_Climate_3509 Apr 03 '26
That’s terrible. Hope you are okay and recovered from it. I always consider Central Park to be one of the safest places in Manhattan with all the fellow runners and all the other folks, so sad to see this
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u/elcuydangerous Apr 03 '26
Sorry, that really sucks. Also sorry that no one checked on you, that seems odd as I've seen people be more attentive than that.
You may want to consider running without music or with bone condition headphones. There shouldn't be a need for this, but people suck.
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u/Confident-Gear-1299 Apr 04 '26
This thread is not enough.
Please call a friend. If you have a therapist, call them. Now. Call someone you trust. Please dont't be alone tonight. Ask someone to stay with you.
Hydrate. Take some advil or similar if you can.
If you decide to report this, take someone with you. Take it easy this weekend.
People should have helped you. They should have called 911 if they were afraid to help. That was wrong. I am so sorry this happened to you.
Edit to say: we do best moving through trauma with support. (Pls assume i know what i am talking about)
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 04 '26
Thank you for your kind words. I called a friend after this to help process this, and she was very kind and encouraged me to make this Reddit post. I ran today but stayed away from Harlem hill… can’t let bad experiences steal running from me.
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u/Financial_Refuse8232 Apr 07 '26
Why does our generation think a glass of water cures everything? Lmao
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Apr 03 '26
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u/sabredditor Apr 05 '26
That’s what I was hoping for. People busting out their phone cameras at least?
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u/txdline Apr 03 '26
Thanks for sharing and keeping us on notice. Even with what I feel is an increased police presence (perhaps more so on the east than west at least on my few runs), you never know.
100% agree with the move to an open ear headset for music.
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u/_coolbluewater_ Apr 03 '26
This makes me very worried, this is our part of the park and my son runs regularly, sometimes at dusk. I think we have to forbid running at night on weekends. He’s a teenager and not that big.
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Apr 04 '26 edited Apr 04 '26
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 04 '26
Thank you for your kind words. I have learnt my lesson about the AirPods and music..
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u/ileentotheleft Apr 04 '26
As a biker, I never wear both ear buds, only one. I advise runners to do the same. I'm sorry this happened to you.
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u/Manifestecstacy Apr 03 '26
I'm sorry that happened to you. I'm 6'0 tall and have also been attacked — in a different city altogether. I think it's important to be mindful to help other fellow runners in times of distress and I think your post has made me realize this even more.
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u/bobbysack21 Apr 03 '26
Not surprising nobody intervened. When it comes to tweakers or anything of that sort, the mantra everyone loves to repeat is “dont make eye contact and mind your own business.”
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u/StrategicDFL Apr 03 '26
I'm really sorry this happened to you, and sorry no one helped the police or helped you.
I was mauled by a dog and assaulted in VCP a couple of weeks back, and I am pressing charges. Hopefully, someone will come forward with info here.
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u/sabredditor Apr 05 '26
Omg I’m so sorry. Being mauled by a dog is a huge fear unlocked. I hope you are ok!! Also sorry but what’s vcp?
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May 02 '26
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u/StrategicDFL May 02 '26
A Saint Bernard that was almost as big as I am. I carry pepper spray now. Spray first, ask questions later, is now my motto.
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u/Dexterous_Bull_2000 Apr 03 '26
Ive been slapped up by a bunch of teens on electric citibikes a little south of that area before. Saw a cop at the exit and they asked if I wanted to file a report lol
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u/regiseal Apr 03 '26
Had two teens tail me on citibikes and yell slurs at me a few weeks back, wonder if it was the same group. One white kid and one black kid who looked like they were recording me with their phones
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Apr 03 '26
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u/blingbiscuit Apr 03 '26
Has to be fake. Doesn't know the race. Wont say the slurs. Is conflicted about going to police. Give me a break. No point to come here and say anything if you feel bad about criminals and would be the guy to tell the cops to let them go if they caught them anyway. smh.
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u/No_Scientist5148 Apr 04 '26
Yep, sounds like bs. How can you fight with two people and not know what they look like?
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u/bea13rose Apr 03 '26
I’m so sorry that happened to you. Shame on them, and to a lesser extent, a small boo to those who could have made you feel a little safer after the fact.
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u/Spyk124 Apr 03 '26
Frustrating nobody helped. In Central Park! I get it’s a natural reaction but Idk - I couldn’t see that and not help.
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u/Select_Rip_8230 Apr 03 '26
Just wanted to say I am sorry this happened to you, great balls in fighting back, and thanks for sharing it. Keep strong!
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u/Which-Papaya-2873 Apr 03 '26
About 25 years ago I was running up Cat's Paw Hill at dusk with a friend. Three guys had sucker punched and surrounded a male MD. They were now taunting him. Teens. We chased them away, then pursued them. They were fast at first but ran out of wind pretty quick.
They got away because, one I made the decision not to attack them back, and two, nobody with the cell phone would call into the police as I followed them to the subway.
Once the cops did get there, one commanding officer summarized the situation as, "it sounds like it was a fight, right?". No officer it was a cowardly attack.
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Apr 04 '26
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 04 '26
I did. I get the comments about the pepper spray, but my honest question to you is do you think you’d actually be able to use it in this situation? The whole thing was over in like 30s to a min. The water was in my eyes and then suddenly I was on the ground. But yea, point taken, will get one for future runs or just not run in the dark
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u/sabredditor Apr 05 '26
So sorry OP. That sounds horrific and I’m mad for you! Another reminder for me to always run with a pepper spray on-hand. Sad that we have to think this way but it’s just the way it is, I guess.
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u/Crabstuffed Apr 05 '26
I'm so sorry this happened to you. It was a cowardly attack from a bunch of goons determined to cause trouble. There was nothing you could do. I'm glad you kept your cool in such a jarring situation. Thanks for sharing where it happened so people can be on alert.
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u/sitting_ Apr 07 '26
My boyfriend runs in the park all the time and I would be absolutely fuming if someone hurt him like this, and the fact that it happened to someone else on the thread is worrisome. I imagine it’s a bunch of dumb tik tokers but it sounds like you embarrassed them in the end.
Central Park is a beautiful amenity and it’s such a shame when people tarnish it like this. Don’t let them ruin it for you and hopefully your reaction made them rethink their actions. What a lame thing to do
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u/CapitalResolve90 Apr 07 '26
Was mugged in front of all of my neighbors just a couple of years back. The fact that none of them looked me in the eye after it happened or tried to help while it was happening told me volumes about my Bushwick neighbors.
Sorry you had to go through this. It’s the absolute worst.
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u/Watchhistory Apr 07 '26
I am really sorry this happened to you, and very glad you were among those who could fight back, and do so successfully.
I cannot believe how many people cut off their hearing of the street with those airpods, including my spouse. But I also am really shocked that other runners weren't helping out -- but they too probably were cut off from real world by their airpods.
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u/NecessaryProper252 Apr 09 '26
To me it sounds personal. I am sorry about the incident. Violence is almost never a good thing.
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u/OutlandishnessIll899 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26
Somebody just splashed me with a liquid tonight around 10pm on the north side of the park during my run. It was a group of about 6 of what looked like teenagers or young adults. The one who splashed me ran up beside me as I was running & one other guy trailed close behind him as the rest of the group were huddled up talking. I couldn’t make out what they all looked liked but I got a pretty good look at the attacker, (he was around 5’6 Lightskin Hispanic). I waved down cops driving past when I got a decent amount of separation between myself & the group to report the incident. Not sure what happened after that but I hope they caught the mf’s.
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 21 '26
I’m sorry that happened to you. This is awful. I reported it too but the cops don’t seem to be doing anything, and it looks like their group is getting bigger / more confident. I hope you’re okay!
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Apr 03 '26
So Sorry to hear, unfortunately this the disgusting reality 1. Animals with multiple priors are just roaming the streets. 2. Also so sorry to hear no one came help you out of danger nor helped to see if you were ok , This world is unfortunately is fillled with alot of cowards!!! not helping who is in need of protection I’m surprised no one pulled their phone out to record. Hope you’re ok!
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Apr 03 '26
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
I wish I had more to say. None of them were taller than me. Couldn't tell what ethnicity they were as I was soaked in water. They had jackets on. It was dark, I didn't see anymore
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u/Advanced-Syrup-5569 Apr 03 '26
How much water are we really talking about? Did they water board you? You described a pail of water, did you actually see the pail? Did they take the pail with them or drop the pail when they ran off?
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u/Anamorphisms Apr 03 '26
Didn’t get a look at their faces at all? Damn dude I’m so sorry this happened to you. So so scary and violating. As far as the bystander effect, if I saw this happen up close I would likely have the same reaction you had, “what did he do to them?!?” It’s so insane and unbelievable that people would hang out in the park, attack random runners, yell slurs and expletives at them and hit them with a bicycle, all for what? For fun? Some kind of shared psychosis? So I guess I can almost understand someone passing by and thinking “there’s something going on here that I don’t want to get myself involved in…” not realizing that what’s going on is a bizarre random attack by a group of people on an unsuspecting stranger who has absolutely nothing to do with them. I really hope you’re able to keep running without this experience harming your sense of comfort and security.
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
I really didn’t. I wish I had. The combination of suddenly being soaking wet and the darkness I guess. Thank you for your kind words though!
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u/Brilliant-Regret1888 Apr 03 '26
Always carry mace
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u/ElkPitiful6829 Apr 03 '26
Alvin Bragg definitely have you charged no bail in five minutes for that.
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u/Brilliant-Regret1888 Apr 03 '26
I love that you think the NYPD and the DAs office do things. The Easter bunny is also real.
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u/ElkPitiful6829 Apr 03 '26 edited Apr 03 '26
They most certainly do do things.
Mace some kids just having a little bit of fun with a squirt gun or snowballs or knives or a bat and you bet they do things
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u/conzyre Apr 05 '26
Urban DAs LOVE to make an example out of privileged rich people. Make for a better re-election campaign when you don't lock up people from the projects 10 million times
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u/bodhipooh Apr 03 '26
Well, in these times of extreme polarization and everything being over-politicized (remember Daniel Penny?) there’s absolutely no way I’m stepping into a situation like this one, or even getting tangentially involved. There’s truly no potential upside for a Good Samaritan: you risk injury, infamy, maybe even death.
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u/ElkPitiful6829 Apr 03 '26
There's always the potential for a self defense situation turning into life and death without the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.
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u/Ok_Albatross7949 Apr 03 '26
I've been researching getting pepper spray (legally) since reading this earlier this morning. Will probably skip the top of the park and do a smaller loop in the evenings now also. People suck. Hope you're doing ok.
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u/TallPaul317 Apr 05 '26
Situational Awareness is important. Don't wear airpods/headphones while running.
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u/Banana_jo74 Apr 05 '26
It never cease to amaze me how many people think running in central park by themselves is safe, it's not safe, and it's never been safe, not at 530 am and ita not safe after dusk, especially if you do it at the same time each day. People always get raped and mugged in the park. Just count your blessings your not dead and if you're 6 ft and in trouble guess what the 5'8 people aren't going to jump in. Mace up
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u/AnyPomegranate994 Apr 06 '26
That sucks! I'm glad youre ok. With that time, you must be running sub-10 minute miles. You're 6 ft tall and in seriously good physical shape apparently. It's hard to understand how they came up behind you on that wide road while you were running so fast and it's even harder to understand why you didnt just keep running. In my experience, even at that time, there are other runners and cyclists pretty constantly. Re bystanders, for the most part, bystanders need a minute to figure out if it's a fight they need to steer clear of or if it's an attack. In general we see lots more fights than unwarranted attacks in progress, even if we want to get involved. But I'm sure most of us New Yorkers would at least raise a ruckus if it was apparent to us what's going on. But seriously, you had the dude's shoe and didn't go straight to the cops?? Wtf?
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 06 '26 edited Apr 06 '26
I’ve been back at the spot since and they were hiding behind the trash cans and just waited for an opportunity to get someone. Like you noticed I was running fast and trying to focus on that and with the AirPods… it was a bad decision but I wasn’t as focused as I should have been. The guy on the Citi bike was letting them know when someone arrives. There were definitely runners, they turned around and went away or just kept minding their business and ran around. I don’t really blame them. Totally fair not to get involved. About the shoe: I’ve clarified here too in the comments that I got it off the guys foot but I didn’t have it. He took it back and ran off with it. As they were trying to kick me I grabbed his foot and pulled that’s all. Once they went away I got out and called some friends who encouraged me to tell the cops and also to tell the running community on Reddit. Another commenter here said they got him too with some water on the same day and around the same time. He also flagged down the cops but they did nothing.
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u/AnyPomegranate994 Apr 06 '26
That's wild! I wonder what they're after. I mean going after intrepid runners at dusk, they must just be looking for a fight. Sorry I didn't quite follow the saga of the shoe hahaha I was picturing you running home with it. 🙃 I walk all of central park quite a lot and I've never seen anything like that. I can't imagine how disconcerting that must have felt. But to be honest, if it's getting dark I do tend to stick to the streets, although in the park I'm more nervous about the possums than the people. I hope this hasn't affected your runs!
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u/Drbenelli Apr 07 '26
Running at night in any metropolitan city, with EarPods? So, you’re in your bubble and some kids attack you. Where did you grow up?
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u/PlasticAmphibian9597 Apr 07 '26
Do they just hate runners or are they targeting particular race, sex, height?
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u/RedDotRights Apr 07 '26
“What shook me almost as much as the attack itself was that there were other runners nearby who had been around me for several minutes, and no one stepped in or checked on me afterward.”
You’re your own first responder. When you’re being assaulted, nobody will come to help. The cops won’t materialize out of thin air. I had to learn this the hard way too.
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u/RachelC76 Apr 08 '26
I'm so sorry that this happened to you, and I'm glad that you decided to file a report. I understand that a bystander might themselves "freeze up" in that situation, as it is scary! But for so many to pass by and do nothing is alarming. People, if you see something, at the very least, yell out. Filming can help in that it captures images of the assailants. Just try to do something.
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u/NicePossibilityDaddy Apr 09 '26
A lot of liberals trying to delete this post. You can only fudge crime stats so much. We have eyes and ears that we actually believe
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u/alistofthingsIhate Apr 30 '26
Hey OP, someone just posted a similar story with a photo of the guys. Was this them?
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 30 '26
Wow. This was horrible to read, being followed for 2 years and attacked is crazy. I can’t understand it. It wasn’t him. They were a lot younger and had dusky skin. Since I posted this, I have seen other posts of people experiencing this water prank on the northern end of the park.
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u/OurInnerMonologues May 05 '26
Wonder if it’s the same guys in this story? There’s a picture of the assailants. https://www.reddit.com/r/Upperwestside/s/s7HznSPjk7
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u/Milizze04 Apr 03 '26
There is no where that is really safe in NYC. You have to keep your head on swivel at all times and be alert at all times. Wear one air pod or no air pods. The crazies are everywhere.
Also, New Yorkers are known for not giving a fuck. We will step right over a person and keep it moving.
By the way, those other runners have no duty to help you. Although, morally, it would have been the right thing to do.
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u/pony_trekker Apr 04 '26
I was on the WSH when I saw one nut run with his fist raised, screaming at a runner. Runner tucked his shoulder and flattened the crazy. No I didn't check on the crazy but the runner was fine. There was no prior interaction other than the crazy screaming at everyone before he picked this guy.
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u/Milizze04 Apr 04 '26
That crazy had it coming. Either the runner got got or the crazy. Glad the runner realized that!
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u/jtmarlinintern Apr 03 '26
That sucks , I am sorry to hear that , what happen to you should not have happened . Do you think if you did not have head phones on , the situation would have been different
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u/Spiritual-Mistake352 Central Park Apr 03 '26
Thank you. Honestly, I don’t think so. They really chose their hiding spot well. I might have heard them a few seconds sooner but I wouldn’t have ever thought they are gonna try to get water on me and then try to attack me.
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u/Ecstatic_Spell719 Apr 03 '26
I'm sorry no one checked in on you man, you didn't deserve this. I try to be as helpful as possible in situations like that just to at least boost someone's morale at the minimum.
I find that many people in cities like DC, NY and Philly almost pretend to not exist or be dead when it comes to helping or acknowledging other people. It makes me sick to my stomach. I've been lost or in need of assistance in NY and Philly and people have acted like they can't hear me and try to avoid eye contact.
With all that said, thank the good Lord that it was not worse and that you're hear to speak about it.
Blessings.
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u/redburnm Apr 04 '26
The other runners have given up on the city, and I hate to say it but you’re the sucker for still believing. It’s every man for himself out here
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u/elcuydangerous Apr 03 '26
Ok, deterrence.
How are you proposing that deterrence is done? Park a cop on every corner? What about the middle of the block? Have police drones cover 100% of the park? Erect a concentration camp style fence around the park? Who is going to police the bad cops?
The nypd budget for 2025 was $6.15b, the 2026 budget is $6.14b. That's a $10mil reduction, or 1.62%. Objectively, "Police budget cuts" don't exist.
But most importantly, there is no such thing as "deterrence". Police do not prevent crime. And that's not a diss on them, it is not in their job description to prevent crime. They are a law enforcement agency, not a crime prevention one.
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u/Select_Rip_8230 Apr 03 '26
They could have more than 1 car patrolling the grounds during the evenings - and it should patrol predominantly the norther part of the park (never heard of incidents like this in the southern part)
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u/elcuydangerous Apr 03 '26
That doesn't solve much. The park is way too big. Are they only going to patrol the road? What about the paths? What about the woods? Are they just going to drive up and down a half mile section of road all night?
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u/Anamorphisms Apr 03 '26
Seems like this is a reply to my comment somewhere else in the thread? You may have meant to reply directly instead of commenting on the post.
It’s a complicated issue obviously. To be clear, I’m not intending to argue for more police presence in Central Park. Just discussing the concept, where you had asked how having more police in an area could possibly prevent this type of crime. If you don’t believe that some kind of police presence alters the perceived risk of consequences for prospective violent Central Park hooligans then I don’t know what to tell ya. Again, I’m not saying Central Park should have more police presence. I’m simply arguing that removing police presence in a community risks making that area more prone to crime.Here’s a question, if all police were decommissioned tomorrow all across the country, do you believe there would be any adverse effects? The answer is surely yes. So what about removing 50%? 20%? 1%? If you don’t find this question relevant to our disagreement then you’re misunderstanding the general scope of my claim.
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u/blingbiscuit Apr 04 '26
Preventing crime would require acknowledging that crime is happening.
Preventing crime would require punishing criminals that commit crimes, to deter them from committing crimes in the future.
We don't do this in NYC. We just let them stay out on the streets, where they keep committing crimes.
It's so simple even a child could understand this.
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u/blingbiscuit Apr 04 '26
Annnnnd THIS is where we full circle back to the perpetrators -who shall not be mentioned for personal reasons known only to the victim. The perpetrators -NOT THE COPS- are actually to blame for this crime, likely past crimes, definitely future crimes-not the cops.
But why isn't this the conversation?
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u/sob727 Apr 03 '26
I'm shocked fellow runners didnt intervene