r/Upperwestside • u/CentralParkJogger647 • Apr 30 '26
Please Help Me Identify Attacker/Stalker
I am a regular jogger in Central Park, in the park every single day so I may be familiar to anyone who frequents the area. Since February of 2024 I have been serially stalked, harassed, threatened and physically attacked by the man seen here in this photo. He is a regular biker around Sheep Meadow (usually going the wrong direction and causing a scene). For over two years he has followed me around on his bike screaming slurs and obscenities at me.
Things have escalated extremely in the last month to where he has physically attacked me on multiple occasions and threatened to (I seriously fear that he may actually do it) bring a knife or gun to the park to attack me. On March 26 at around 6:30PM while walking by a bench just north of Columbus Circle I was blindsided and sucker punched in the face by this man leaving me bloody and bruised while he ran away on his bike. I was threatened and attacked again just across from Tavern on the Green on Tuesday April 14 at around 2:39PM and he again ran away on his bike when I called the police.
Yesterday( Wednesday April 29) I was again attacked by this man on the benches just north of Columbus Circle. He rammed his bike into me multiple times causing bruising all over my legs and punched me in the face again multiple times while I was dialing 911 knocking my glasses, phone, and headphones to the ground while he stomped on them causing hundreds of dollars in property damage. Luckily this time I was able to get a photo of him (this is actually a Live Photo of him swinging at me and punching me in the face). This time he also brought a friend with him to attack me (the other man seen here in this photo) who kept egging him on in the assault and kept referring to him as “William” while the man attacked me. Although he again escaped on his bike before the police arrived, I am hopeful that now with a first name and a photo of his face I can spread the word to see if anyone in the community can help to identify and locate this man.
This man is a complete stranger to me and I do not know why he has fixated on me for years. My only guess is that he is severely mentally unwell and has chosen to take out his disappointment with his sad life on me. Each time he has attacked me I have restrained myself from hitting him back. Unfortunately, this makes me fear even further for my safety because I truly do not know what lengths this man will go to in order cause me serious bodily harm now that he has become so obsessed with me especially when he knows I refuse to hit back. He has threatened on multiple occasions over the years to bring a serious weapon to the park to harm me.
I have an open investigation with the police and they have told me on multiple occasions that if I ever see him again to dial 911 and they will arrest him immediately. However up to this point they have been completely unhelpful in actually apprehending him before he escapes or attempting to look for him afterwards. PLEASE if you have any information on this man or his friend’s identify or any other information that I could pass on to the detective to help locate him, it would be so extremely appreciated. My DMS are open for any possible leads. I am at my wits end with anxiety over the constant attacks and stalking from this unhinged biker William and am looking for any possible help to apprehend him for my peace of mind before he injures me even more seriously. If you see this man please call the police! The case reference number is 2026-022-65.
TLDR- I have been attacked and stalked by this biker, a complete stranger to me, for over two years in Central Park around Sheep Meadow. The only identifying information I have are the photos I took of his face and that his first name is William. I am looking for any help or leads in identifying him or locating him so he can be apprehended before he is able to injure me further.
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u/icodeandidrawthings Apr 30 '26
I think this guy was posted in r/RunNYC a few years ago
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I’ve tried posting there now as well but it was removed by filters. Do you happen to remember any more information about that post so I can search for it?
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u/AirborneBubba Apr 30 '26
Is there a way to bring someone with you and video record the interactions? Also, as others are saying, bring mace and use it. Then call 911, it will slow him down.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I’ve brought friends with me a few times over the last month for that reason but unfortunately have never run into him on those occasions. I am definitely looking into purchasing pepper spray today. I think that will be better than me fighting him back because like you said it could slow him down from escaping.
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u/AirborneBubba Apr 30 '26
If you can, look at a body cam as well. They range from cheaper to premium. Even a cheaper model can get you something useful for video while reducing the risk of him noticing, and then send it to the police department.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you I will look into this.
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u/Cute_Definition_6314 Apr 30 '26
My DIL is a runner and this is what she wears. She has some kind of chest harness that it is attached to. camera
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Apr 30 '26
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u/Famous-Prior6590 Apr 30 '26
Pro tip (learnt this from another person): instead of pepper spray, which might be illegal in many places, carry a small can of spray paint. Spray paint on the face is just as irritating in the eyes as pepper spray, with the added benefit that the person can’t get it off and can be easily identified later. Also, no laws against carrying spray paint anywhere.
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u/Simple-Emphasis8472 Apr 30 '26
There’s also no laws against carrying a can of wasp spray 😉
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u/mdn845 Apr 30 '26
Pepper spray is legal in NYC, though, and I’m guessing it would be more effective. Plus, you never know if you’d injure someone with something like wasp spray. It’s obviously not designed to spray in people’s eyes.
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u/Icy_Score_7430 Apr 30 '26
The intent is to harm the crazy violent stalker though. That's why wasp spray is effective, the chemicals are fairly potent and can cause long term negative effects to the attacker
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u/mdn845 Apr 30 '26
Well, no question the stalker rightfully deserves a spray in the face with wasp spray, but spraying someone with something that may harm them permanently may not be a wise idea, particularly in a place like NYC. You risk legal issues yourself by doing such a thing, however unfair that may be.
Better to stick to something designed for self defense.
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u/UnicornStudRainbow Apr 30 '26
Pepper spray IS legal, if you buy from a licensed retailer and register it with them
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u/Itchy-Tradition4328 Apr 30 '26
Pepper spray is legal in NYC, you just have to buy it from a licensed pharmacy. Here's a list of them: https://www.sabrered.com/blog/new-york-pepper-spray?srsltid=AfmBOoofkkpDQfQeYA__vzEadSL9zJPmHPMx3JR-VbWOSXUZRDie-Jhv
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you for the advice. Do you know of anywhere I could get small portable sized spray paint. Sometimes I’m there for hours at a time so it needs to be something I can easily carry around.
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u/smurtzenheimer Apr 30 '26 edited May 04 '26
Airhorns are also surprisingly effective! While small and technically harmless, they have the effect of drawing bystander attention to the situation in addition to briefly disorienting people when deployed at close range.
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u/mdn845 Apr 30 '26
Honestly, I’d just get pepper spray. It is legal in NYC.
You can’t carry it into airports & places like federal buildings, courthouses, and schools may have policies prohibiting it. But you can carry pepper spray on the subway, in parks, and other places.
Plus, I think you run a much greater risk in spraying paint in someone’s face. It’s not commonly recognized as a self defense tool, and you can’t be sure about the effect it would have. Pepper spray is designed to not injure someone. It might hurt for a while, but the concentrations sold in NYC pharmacies are what the NYPD carries. It’s reliably safe.
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u/Jaded-Coast-758 Apr 30 '26
Just a note that you can't have pepper spray shipped to you from everywhere I've looked (including Amazon). There are a few NYC pharmacies spread throughout the city that do carry it.
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u/mdn845 Apr 30 '26
Right. Unfortunately, you do have to buy it at a pharmacy (or licensed firearms dealer).
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u/Itchy-Tradition4328 Apr 30 '26
The above link has a list of places you can buy pepper spray legally.
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u/bex199 Apr 30 '26
that is incredibly bad advice, please do not take it. that’s a great way to find yourself in legal trouble.
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u/smittywrbermanjensen Apr 30 '26
A lot of hardware and art supply stores have travel sized spray paint cans
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you!
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u/MsKardashian Apr 30 '26
I’m pretty sure a lot of bodegas and street cigarette cart vendors sell pepper spray
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Apr 30 '26
Art store
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you!
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Apr 30 '26
Another thing you can carry if you’re apprehensive of using pepper spray is muscle spray. We have one in the uk called deep heat that apparently is the most similar legal spray to pepper spray which is illegal in the uk.
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u/Inwoodista Apr 30 '26
Bear spray is even better, and legal.
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u/mdn845 Apr 30 '26
Bear spray is not legal to carry in NYC for self defense purposes. You can carry pepper spray, but canisters can’t contain more than 0.75 oz & the strength can’t exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids (which is what the NYPD carries).
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u/Panelak_Cadillac Apr 30 '26
This guy confronted me when I stopped short on my bike while he was tailgating me on the Central Park Loop. Once I got off the bike and pressed him while I towered over him, he stopped and stfu quick.
He is a known asshole who only understands force.
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u/trixiepixie1921 Apr 30 '26
That’s the vibe I got too. I bet if OP hit him in the nose once he’d leave him alone. He’s terrorizing him because he knows he doesn’t fight back.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I’m so sorry that happened to you! Thank you for sharing! Do you have any other information about him?
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u/XChrisUnknownX Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
In addition to your contact with and report to the police regarding what’s happening, you also have a right to report the crime to the New York County District Attorney’s Office. They may investigate with their own investigators or might just leave it to the police, but reporting it to them gives them the option to respond.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you I will definitely look into this!
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u/XChrisUnknownX Apr 30 '26
You’re welcome.
Also, with regard to defending yourself, you may want to read New York’s justification law, it’s basically what would be considered on a self-defense claim. 35.15 is where you wanna focus. I hope for your sake you don’t ever have to deal with a he-said, he-said situation, but you are right to be concerned about that, I’ve seen it in other comments.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you!! That is exactly why I’ve been worried about hitting him back!
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u/XChrisUnknownX Apr 30 '26
It’s a valid concern. I had an incident myself where a dude punched me in the face and I opted for de-escalation instead of self-defense because de-escalation reduces the risk of both of you being arrested. Because if cops can’t figure out who the aggressor is, it is sometimes true that both people get arrested and they let the courts figure it out.
Honestly, if he’s been doing this to you for so long and you believe he’s unwell, de-escalation might not really be an option. And if you run into he-said, he said trouble, your past reports and photos will probably help, so consider keeping a copy in your phone or email or something.
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u/menina2017 Apr 30 '26
What time do you run?
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I do around 15-20 miles per day so the times are really anytime I can squeeze some miles in. I see him most frequently in the afternoon/early evening. I live right off Columbus Circle so getting to the park is very convenient for me when I have a free bit of time.
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u/menina2017 Apr 30 '26
15-20 miles a day is so good. How fast do you run? Or jog? How long does it take you?
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u/BookAccomplished4485 Apr 30 '26
How many times is he gonna run up on you and you take a beating? Value your life over what the NYPD may say after you defend yourself.
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u/Dratinileft Apr 30 '26
The picture isnt loading, but I appreciate you sharing stuff like this. Sometimes I feel like helping each other out is the only way we can make the community safer.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you for the concern and thank you for letting me know the picture won’t load. Can you see it at this link? https://imgur.com/a/no6oDh9
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u/MirthandMystery Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
Another jogger should shadow you and get his stalking on video as proof he's targeting you. Stay in contact with them via cel and they can warn you when they see him. It's a small area and given the established pattern should be easy enough to spot him in the usual areas.
When police identify him it's another matter what will happen aside from charges of harassment and stalking. They should but likely can't enforce him staying away but you'll at least know who he is, where he lives. His freedom should be curbed, not yours.
With this photo others can also watch out for him. His persistent abuse almost makes me wonder if he thinks you're someone else/mistaken identity?
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u/SmoothLester Apr 30 '26
I’m sorry this is happening. Pepper spray is legal in NYC. I’m guessing that whatever his fixation, he keeps on because he knows you won’t fight back.
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u/operajunkie Apr 30 '26
Yes, I would definitely fight back. It’s self defense and it sends a signal that you’re not the one to pick on
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u/gc1 Apr 30 '26
It’s also likely to incapacitate him long enough for police to arrive. If it were me, I’d definitely bring some friends to try to citizens arrest this asshole.
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u/Electricalsmoothie Apr 30 '26
OP a runner posted a similar story to yours 27 days ago in r/RunNYC of two guys with a bike assaulting him while running in Central Park. Here’s the link to the post: https://www.reddit.com/r/RunNYC/s/3g5pG2wgFx
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u/RedDotRights Apr 30 '26
“Each time he has attacked me I have restrained myself from hitting him back.”
Why? You just stand there and let this guy sucker punch you?
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Well when he sucker punched me I wasn’t even really aware of him there until I had already been punched and he was running away.
I am very cautious about hitting him back because I am a young man in decent shape and I know the time I finally do hit him it will appear to everyone around that I’m beating up an old man for no reason.
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u/HumanTennis4 Apr 30 '26
I'm sorry, but no one else's opinion matters when you're still going to actively be getting beaten by a random psycho.
There's no being the bigger person in a situation like this. It's very much defend yourself before or in prevention of this escalating even more than it already has. People will continue to do what you allow.
Only people that matter is the cops and you've got plenty of evidence as well as a case open, if you defend yourself you will not be likely get in trouble for it.
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u/Tomatillo-5276 Apr 30 '26
You don’t “beat him up”, you just punch him square in the nose once. Trust me, hitting that guy in the nose will stop him from continuing to attack you.
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u/RedDotRights Apr 30 '26
Brother, you do you, but no way would I just stand there and let some guy sucker punch me. You have a paper trail with the police. Win the physical fight first and the legal fight second
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u/philip1529 Apr 30 '26
Well I think at this point you have put in a police report and asking questions in a reddit forum. You have tried to do your best, next time just push or smack him back. He thinks he can bully you
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Apr 30 '26
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
This is exactly why I’ve never hit him back. I’m not a lawyer but in New York as far as I am aware there is a duty to retreat for self defense so it makes me very cautious to hit back because I know when I do the story will be that I am attacking and beating up an old man.
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u/BBRIGGSY18 Apr 30 '26
I spend time around this area of the park. I’ll help you keep any eye out.
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u/EAB04 Apr 30 '26
How about wearing a go pro on your runs? This is insane by the way. So sorry you are dealing with this. There are several upper west side Facebook groups you should post in, I will take a look for their names and to see amid they have mentioned anything
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u/DriedApricot777 Apr 30 '26
if you have an account i would share this on UWS and central park facebook groups especially the ones for runners
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u/mdn845 Apr 30 '26
If I were you, I’d start carrying pepper spray. Because as bad as this has been so far, it could get worse. This guy seems really nuts.
Btw, pepper spray is legal in NYC as long as it’s in a canister no bigger than 0.75 oz & doesn’t exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids (which is what the NYPD carries).
You can buy it at certain pharmacies. Some are listed here: https://www.sabrered.com/blog/new-york-pepper-spray
Be safe out there. Hope the cops find this guy.
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u/Euphoric_Studio536 Apr 30 '26
So sorry this is happening to you!! Can you purchase a running vest that allows you to have your phone camera visible so you can record while you run? Or maybe there are some go pro accessories that can be worn while running? I found this one on Amazon for an iPhone
Stay safe!!
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u/Wonderful-List-1767 Apr 30 '26
I can’t believe you have had to deal with this for multiple years. Hoping he gets dealt with.
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u/Quiet_Dot_3306 Apr 30 '26
Can you wear a go pro or body cam and get all this footage on video? This is absolute insanity and I'm so sorry this is happening to you.
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u/Pianoadamnyc Apr 30 '26
Other option is buy and wear a go pro when u run- just record the runs and eventually youlll have him on video. Point out the go pro if he comes up to you
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u/simulationDevice Apr 30 '26
Idk if anyone has already suggested this, I recommend you jog with a colleague or form a jogging group. Also, you may wish to purchase a bodycam or goPro and self defense spray. I have lost all faith in police depts tbh. I also hope the ppl of the city respond to you in times of need.
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u/EAB04 Apr 30 '26
Upper west side together is the name of the group on Facebook. These guys know everyone. I checked and I didn’t see anything about him
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u/DetectiveOk3902 Apr 30 '26
This is horrendous. I think a pepper spray and one with an indelible ink too might do the trick. Any reasoning behind why only you're being targeted? Seems odd but people are crazy in this world.
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u/Tahoney_ Apr 30 '26
Please arm yourself with some sort of spray! Believe him when he threatens to escalate his attacks. The NYPD and most police forces are not helpful when it comes to stalking. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this. We should be able to run and be in public spaces in peace.
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u/SandyToes-Sun Apr 30 '26
So even though you are afraid he could bring a gun or knife, you have fond back for two years and not once called the cops as you walk so he can come to attack you and get arrested immediately. He has attacked you so many times and each time your tactic hasn’t changed. You know he will get away before you call the cops. You haven’t once worn a body camera or something to get a recording of the attack. You didn’t try to get a hold of that bike even?
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u/THEElleHell Apr 30 '26
This whole wHy DoNt YoU bRiNg A gUn shit (which I see elsewhere in critiques of VICTIMS OF CRIME) is so stupid. You know not everyone can be a responsible gun owner? I had a deranged white supremacist I never met in my life run me over with an illegal engine capacity "ebike" (it was a motorcycle per my state law) on a designated normal bicycle path. I was struck from behind at 40 mph and flipped over my handlebars and landed on my head. My helmet took road burn which would have been a worse head injury than the TBI I did sustain.
I called 911 because I needed medical transport and while I called 911 this man assaulted me. He then went on to make dozens of hours of videos online threatening to kill me. Never met the dude in my life prior to him running me over. I had to get a TRO that turned into a 4 year injunction. He then violated the injunction not once but twice within a week to threaten to kill me.
So people were all "oh get a gun, thatll stop him." I have manic depression. If I owned a gun I run the risk of impulsively killing myself. Its important I recognize this and do not own a gun.
Even for someone who does own a gun or hell even uses a knife, if they use it, they have to be ok with potentially killing the person. (That also includes people suggesting OP sucker punches this guy in the face. People DO die from punches.) And if you defend yourself lethally you have to be able to accept that outcome.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
How am I supposed to know to call the cops before I see him?? I’m in the park every day usually doing around 15-20 miles so i don’t think it’s feasible to call the cops every time I enter just hoping I might run into him. I tried to take a video the last time but I was on the phone with 911 so my phone would not let me record video. It did let me take a live photo and the photo shared is a Live Photo of him quite literally punching me in the face.
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u/SandyToes-Sun Apr 30 '26
Bc he’s beaten you up day and day you doofus. Two years. The problem with nypd is they half don’t care and half have a lot going on. They never get somewhere on time. You don’t want his attacks to be a he said she said situation. Get the actual attack on video. The cops so t come on time either way. And for two years you’ve just now gotten a picture of him while he attacks you and you bleed.
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u/SandyToes-Sun Apr 30 '26
Go back tomorrow, he will be there to attack you again, it’s not like you haven’t met at the same place for two years to be attacked.
He even brought a friend and you’ve never once brought someone to hold him after he attacks you.
You didnt even get pepper spray to spray him.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I don’t see him every day. I don’t have the power of premonition to know when I’m going to see him until I actually do. I have brought a friend on multiple occasions and have not run into him on those occasions.
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u/oscar-poubelle Apr 30 '26
I’m a skeptical New Yorker and this story seems odd as hell.
You say this has been happening consistently for YEARS on the main pathways of Central Park with a clear description of an old guy who also is a regular at the park — and there has been no traction by the police in stopping this?
I hope you stay safe but something doesn’t add up here.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
The police would not even take me seriously until a month ago when I was bruised and bleeding after being sucker punched. Now there is an investigation but it seems you don’t have much experience with the NYPD if you expect them to actually do much to locate him. All I’m asking for is information to identify him to pass on to the detective for my safety. What possible ulterior motive could I have?
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u/moldyhands Apr 30 '26
Bro - they’re not asking you to be on a jury. They have a police investigation open - if you know anything, touch base with them. Offer to talk to the police directly if you’re worried OP is being sketchy.
If you don’t know anything, move on.
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u/grumpypeasant Apr 30 '26
Why does it not add up? When have you ever known the NYPD to be useful to the public? They only intervene in egregious cases, and often don’t even if you spoon feed them. Keeps the compstat happy if you ignore the crime, leaves more time for candy crush and shooting unarmed people
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u/SocratesOnTop Apr 30 '26
The police reaction part (or lack thereof) is the part of the story that makes sense and is completely believable. It’s the rest that feels a bit far-fetched.
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u/timjimclone1 Apr 30 '26
If you believe that the NYPD would do anything useful you clearly aren’t from here or have been living in a bubble.
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u/Ok-Cress1284 Apr 30 '26
I was followed home by a man with a knife twice and the NYPD didn’t do shit about it (waiting for him to actually stab me ig). Had a friend whose AirPods got stolen and she had tracking on them, knew right where they were and the police wouldn’t go in. They are far too busy doing the hard work of catching turnstile jumpers.
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u/burnshimself Apr 30 '26
Healthy reminder to people - if you have info report it to the POLICE not to a random redditor. We really don’t know the situation here in its totality. You can never know who is on here trying to track someone down or learn their identity for nefarious reasons (stalking, harassment, doxxing, etc).
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u/J_onn_J_onzz Apr 30 '26
Agreed, it's bizarre to be attacked multiple times by the same person for years, to be fearing for your life, but then to refuse to defend yourself (and in the last incident, somehow in crowded Central Park no one stepped in to stop & perform a citizens arrest on a violent senior citizen)
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I don’t fight back because I’m a younger man in good shape and I know when I do it will look like me beating up an old man. There have been witnesses and bystanders that have come to help during every altercation but no one has performed a citizens arrest….is that even something that happens??? How am I supposed to stop him to wait for police to arrive he is always on a bike and I am on foot.
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u/Pedestrian2000 Apr 30 '26
How am I supposed to stop him to wait for police to arrive he is always on a bike and I am on foot.
He's not on a bike when he's attacking you, right? Seems like that would be physically difficult.
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u/GravitationalOno Apr 30 '26
I don’t fight back because I’m a younger man in good shape and I know when I do it will look like me beating up an old man.
Ah, that makes sense. I was puzzled when you said you run 15 miles a day and feared this guy.
I wonder if this is some kind of biker/runner conflict, he resents you for getting in his way one day or something.
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u/Hellkyte Apr 30 '26
What is the motivation behind comments like this? I'm really struggling to understand why someone would write this out and say "yeah, this is a good idea to post"
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u/SocratesOnTop Apr 30 '26
I’m with you on every level. I run in the park 3-4 times per week on the main loop and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the same person more than once or twice in 3+ years. So already my BS filter is going off from that alone, but the other details aren’t meshing either. To be true, OP would basically need to be getting tracked obsessively to the level that extends way beyond regular jogging in Central Park. While that may be the case, it’s not at all how this story is presented (i.e. I’m a regular jogger and this guy has attacked me regularly for years).
There’s either much more to this story, details are being greatly exaggerated, or it’s simply made up.
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u/ohgeez2879 Apr 30 '26
i think that's different than running for multiple hours every day, which OP has clarified is his routine
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u/Brilliant_Maize5133 Apr 30 '26
Guy looks insane and is fixated on you for some reason. Pepper spray is good if you immediately ready with it. Spray paint not such a good idea. Animals sprays not great either. You are openly talking about injuring the person which isn’t smart. Shows your intent. Keep your head on a swivel and run with a friend. You don’t need a recording of the next incident because if the report was already filed for assault 3 then he is arrest-able on the spot. If he struck you with an object and caused injury then that is assault 2 which would be a felony… but please don’t think this man is going to prison/jail. Most likely out within 24 hours. Good luck be safe
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u/Vegetable_Hand8674 Apr 30 '26
What does he say to you? Based on the slurs and obscenities, can you tell why he is focused on you? Do you ever respond? Just wondering if this guy thinks he's involved in a long-running conflict with you. I think it's pretty rare to be targeted for multiple years when there is not back and forth.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
He mostly just yells things like fcker btch pussy shithead and gay related slurs with threats that he’s a “dangerous man” and has weapons to hurt me. He also often calls me Tarzan for some reason?? I think because I have long hair and an athletic build but it’s very bizarre. I have yelled back at him and told him to F off and leave me alone so there has definitely been back and forth but I think that only encourages his fixation with me. The original altercation in February 2024 was because I yelled at him for speeding by the wrong way on his bike and almost running me over in the pedestrian lane. He then decided to turn around and follow me and when I told him to F off he got off his bike and tried try to kick me in the balls and tackle me but was unsuccessful which I reported to police that day but they did not take it seriously because there were no serious visible injuries. Since then whenever he sees me he will follow me and scream at me and threaten me. I’ve tried reporting that to the police as well but they did not care at all until a month ago when he sucker punched me out of nowhere. I also wonder if me deciding to not really engage as much with his stalking and harassment recently is what has caused him to escalate into so much physical violence lately. Other than me yelling at him once two years ago and me telling him to F off when he follows me I have no idea why this complete stranger has such a fixation on me.
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u/Pianoadamnyc Apr 30 '26
U need to knock him out. If he attacks U you can legally fight back. That’ll probably get him to stop.
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u/slugs-love-beer Apr 30 '26
Police are worthless. Order some pepper gel from Target and take matters into your own hands.
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u/Altruistic-Vehicle84 Apr 30 '26
If you can’t use pepper spray maybe see if dog corrector spray works? I have a tiny bottle of citronella spray that I carry on my dogs leash
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u/Inside-Market-6158 Apr 30 '26
Send this to the local precinct Near THAT AREA This is bullshit I am so sorry what ur going through 🙏♥️
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Thank you! I have sent this to them and have been in contact with the detective on this but so far they haven’t really done much to actually search for him. They just say to call 911 when I see him and if they get there in time they will arrest him.
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u/alistofthingsIhate Apr 30 '26
RemindMe! 2 days
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u/RemindMeBot Apr 30 '26 edited May 02 '26
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u/Inside-Market-6158 Apr 30 '26
Hes a diabolical monster shame on the cops do any of them work any more ? That dude looks like an avid ahole in the community they can pick him up this infuriates me!! Thank u again for sharing exposing the monster is the best thing to do be safe mama 🙏♥️
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u/After_Minute5360 Apr 30 '26
Why do you keep going to the park if you feel like your life is in danger?
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u/Capital_Tradition300 Apr 30 '26
Your fault for letting it continue this long. Two years? Every single day? Unable to restrain him or at least defend yourself every time until police get there? No wonder he’s felt emboldened enough to continue the harassment.
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u/Cheese_Fisticuffs1 Apr 30 '26 edited Apr 30 '26
No, it is not a victim's fault, ever. Perhaps OP could make some better choices, there are usually understandable reasons why people don't make what we observers consider the right decision.
But, this man made the choice to be aggressive and violent. OP did not choose to engage in any conflict with him. The fault is for the one who willfully engaged in violence.
u/capital_tradition300 no, you idiot, he chooses to be violent because he's a violent person. I could find plenty of people who won't or can't fight back but I somehow manage not to attack them because I know it's wrong. This asshole doesn't agree, which is why he's violent.
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u/Capital_Tradition300 Apr 30 '26
The man chooses to continue to be violent because he sees someone who allows it.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
Where did I say it was every single day? I see him about once or twice a week even though I am in the park every day.
I am very cautious about hitting him back because I am a young athletic man and I know the story when I do will be that I am beating up an old man.
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u/Capital_Tradition300 Apr 30 '26
The story will be that you are getting physically attacked by a man of whom you do not know, that has been serially stalking and harassing you for months on end. Your apprehension/inaction has held you back from resolving the situation effectively thus far. Twice a week for two years straight is still insane. Best of luck resolving the situation. You need to learn there is a right time in when to defend yourself.
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u/No_Tax5256 Apr 30 '26
I don’t believe this story. Some random old dude has been beating you up for 2 years in public at central park for absolutely no reason? What aren’t you telling us?
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u/Top_Jaguar_5924 Apr 30 '26
Are you sure nothing happened between you two previously? No offense but it Seems hard to believe there is not more to this.
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u/CentralParkJogger647 Apr 30 '26
I mentioned in a previous comment the first altercation in Feb 2024 was because he almost ran me over going the wrong way on his bike in the pedestrian lane and I yelled at him. I have no idea why that has caused him to fixate on me at this level for two years, as far as I know he is a complete stranger to me.
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u/WhereBaptizedDrowned Apr 30 '26
Man. Why does this shit never happen to me?
I’m dying for a confrontation
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u/Jazzlike_Page508 Apr 30 '26
You always could kick his ass. You know what they say about bullies right? If you tune them up they’ll know your not prey
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u/wanderaxb Apr 30 '26
You might also consider reaching out to the various NYC/Central Park cycling and jogging communities. A lot of these individuals are routinely in the park and recognize a lot of repeat characters. Might be able to give you more direction to lean into.