Suicide Attempt In Riverside Park Spurs Intense Police Search

Police investigate the incident early this morning at the OVER THE TRACKS TENNIS COURTS in Riverside Park at 119th Street.   (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Adovocates)  Click on images to enlarge

Manhattan 

By Geoffrey Croft

The discovery of a bloody knife and several pools of blood near the tennis courts in Riverside Park early this morning set off a tremendous police response as authorities searched feverishly for clues.

Police recovered a knapsack and knife behind some plants a few feet from the entrance of the Over  The Tracks Tennis Courts at W. 119th Street before 7:30 am.

Officers en masse at W. 123rd Street inside Riverside Park while a police helicopter hovers above. 

Neighborhood residents were awakened to the sound of a police helicopter which began hovering around 8:am.

Police dogs were brought in and dozens of officers were dispatched into the park while investigators searched area hospitals.

Police turned away a steady stream of tennis players and joggers trying to go about their daily routines.

NYC Park Advocates has learned that a 54-year-old man attempted suicide.

   

According to sources the man transported himself to St. Luke's Hospital. 

Police awaiting orders at W. 116th Street and Riverside Drive before heading out into the park.  

The bloody knife and knapsack were found behind these bushes beside the tennis court fence.

The scene shortly before the police dogs arrived.  

Police on Riverside Park at 121st Street