A 21-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted during a meeting with a man she had been spending time with, according to investigators.
NEW YORK, N.Y. — Police are searching for a man accused of sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman inside a Harlem subway station Sunday evening after the pair met for what authorities described as a date. The alleged attack occurred at the 125th Street station in Upper Manhattan.
The case has drawn attention as investigators work to identify and locate the suspect, who remained at large Tuesday. Detectives released images of the man and appealed for information from the public. The incident comes as city officials continue efforts to improve safety across the subway system, even as overall transit crime statistics have shown declines in several categories.
According to police, the woman and the suspect were together before entering the station near 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue on Sunday evening. Authorities said the alleged assault took place around 7:40 p.m. inside the station. Investigators have not disclosed how the pair met or how long they had known each other before the encounter. After the incident, the woman left the station and later sought medical treatment at a hospital. Police began investigating shortly afterward and interviewed the victim as detectives worked to establish a timeline of events. Officials have not publicly released details about the circumstances leading up to the alleged attack, citing the ongoing investigation.
On Tuesday, the New York Police Department released photographs of the suspect and asked the public for help identifying him. Police described the man as having a goatee and wearing circular red glasses with gold-colored frames. He was also seen wearing a red shirt with white lettering. Investigators believe the images could help generate leads as they continue reviewing evidence. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no charges have been filed. Detectives are examining surveillance footage from the station and surrounding areas while seeking additional witnesses who may have seen the pair before or after the alleged assault. Police have not said whether the suspect and victim communicated electronically before meeting.
The incident occurred at one of Harlem’s busiest transit hubs, where several subway lines connect with bus routes and neighborhood traffic. Transit stations throughout New York City are monitored by security cameras, and investigators frequently rely on video evidence in criminal cases. The 125th Street station serves thousands of riders each day and functions as a major transportation gateway for Upper Manhattan commuters. Law enforcement officials have emphasized that sexual assault investigations often require extensive evidence gathering, including interviews, medical examinations, and forensic review. In many cases, detectives spend days or weeks assembling information before prosecutors determine whether criminal charges can be pursued.
Investigators said the case remains active as detectives continue efforts to identify and locate the suspect. Once a suspect is identified, police and prosecutors will determine what criminal charges may be appropriate based on the evidence collected. Authorities have not announced a timetable for potential arrests. Detectives are expected to continue reviewing surveillance footage, examining physical evidence, and conducting interviews with anyone who may have relevant information. Officials said additional details could be released as the investigation progresses and as evidence is verified.
Commuters passing through the station Tuesday encountered a visible police presence as news of the investigation spread. Some riders expressed concern about safety in transit spaces, while others noted the station’s heavy foot traffic throughout the day. Investigators have urged anyone who may recognize the suspect from released images to contact police. Officials stressed that information from witnesses can play a critical role in helping detectives identify individuals involved in serious crimes and advance investigations.
The suspect had not been identified publicly as of Tuesday evening, and investigators said the search remains ongoing. Police continue to review evidence and pursue leads as they work toward locating the man shown in released photographs.
Author note: Last updated June 17, 2026.