Teen Cyclist Sprayed After Near Collision In Central Park: Police

CENTRAL PARK, NY – At approximately 3 p.m. on Wednesday, a 17-year-old male victim was assaulted near 60 Center Drive in Central Park, not far from the Heckscher Playground, officials told Patch.

A verbal dispute began after two men – both on bicycles – nearly collided, police said. One of the cyclists then sprayed the other – a 17-year-old teenage boy – in the back of the head with an unknown substance.

The alleged sprayer, who fled to parts unknown, was wearing a black shirt, police said.

The NYPD could not confirm the substance used, though reports on the Citizen app suggested it was pepper spray. This information will be clarified as the investigation progresses, a police spokesperson explained.

No arrests have been made, and an investigation is ongoing.

UPDATE: On Thursday, police released a photo of a man they're looking for in connection with the assault, who is described as a male with a light complexion, a slim build, and facial hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt, black pants, black sneakers, and a black backpack, according to officials.

The updated report included new details, and police say that the suspect, who was riding a Citi Bike, pushed the victim off his bike to the ground before spraying him in the face with the unknown agent.

The suspect fled northbound on East Drive. The victim was treated at the scene for his injuries.