19-Year-Old Male Raped In Union Square Park Bathroom

Union Square Park bathroom - E. 16th Street - June 13, 2013.  The NYPD Crime Scene Unit early Thursday morning.  Police are investigating a homeless man's claim that he was sexually assaulted in the restroom yesterday evening. (Photos: Geoffrey Croft/NYC Park Advocates) Click on images to enlarge.

Manhattan

By Geoffrey Croft

A 19-year-old homeless male was raped inside a Union Square Park bathroom, NYC Park Advocates has learned.

The victim claims the assailant followed him into the male bathroom and attacked him inside a stall according to the police.

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at approximately 6:30 pm between E. 16/17th Street on the east side of the park near Union Square East.  

According to police the victim said he was "In fear for his safety."

The victim is being treated at Bellevue Hospital according to law enforcement sources. 

Police describe the suspect as a white male approximately 25-years-old who was known to the victim from Union Square Park.

NYPD  personel from the Crime Scene Unit processing the scene.

 A patrol car from the 13th Pct.  securing the location.