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Overcast Police seek suspect in state park rape
Police are searching for a man who reportedly raped a woman in Valley Stream State Park on Sunday at about 11:10 a.m.
According to police, the 60-year-old victim was walking on a hiking path at the south end of the park, near the Hendrickson Avenue entrance.
The suspect was described as a black man with a light complexion, 25 to 35 years old, 5 feet 7 to 5 feet 9, with a thin build and short black hair with side braids. He was wearing black pants and a white T-shirt. Police believe that the same man is responsible for two attacks in Lynbrook in recent weeks.
New York State Parks Police, with the assistance of Nassau County Police, are handling the investigation. Officers from the two departments searched the area and the surrounding community after the reported attack, and were assisted by dogs and police helicopters.
Tony Cannonito, president of the Valley Stream Running Club, whose members frequent the park, noted that it is much less populated than nearby Hendrickson Park. “It’s a terrible situation,” he said of the attack. “It’s unfortunate these type of crimes happen, and they happen in the best of neighborhoods.”
As word of the incident spread, Cannonito said, he received a few calls from club members, but no one seemed dissuaded from using the park. He said he plans to issue a notice to his fellow members, reminding them to stay on paved portions of the park’s trails and to be aware of their surroundings.
“We always encourage our members to run with a group,” he said. “Two or more people ideally, especially in a park that’s less traveled.”
Anyone with information about the incident or the whereabouts of the suspect can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 244-TIPS, or the State Parks Police at (631) 321-3700.
