A woman was strangled, sexually assaulted and raped in Hudson River Park early this morning. According to police, the incident happened on the water side of West Street and Harrison Place in Hudson River Park around 5:15 a.m. this morning. The 21-year-old victim was sitting on a park bench when she was approached by the male suspect, who sat next to her and attempted to engage her in conversation.
Soon after, the suspect hit her in the face, attempted to strangle her, and then dragged her into the bushes and sexually assaulted her. The victim was able to break free from the suspect, who fled the scene; the victim found a Parks Department officer, who sent out a description of the perp. The suspect was apprehended by officers soon after, and placed under arrest. Suspect Jonathan Stewart, 25, has been charged with first degree, criminal sex act, sex abuse, assault and forcible touching.
