HELD UP AT PARK

While opening up a comfort station inside Middle Village's Juniper Valley Park, a Parks Department employee was reportedly assaulted and robbed by a masked bandit early last Friday morning, Dec. 19.

According to law enforcement sources, the mugging occurred at around 7:30 a.m. near the tennis courts located in the vicinity of Juniper Boulevard South and 78th Street.

Reportedly, the female worker was opening up the restroom facility when the suspect approached from behind and struck her in the face.

Police said the blow caused a laceration as well as swelling. Brandishing a black-handled kitchen knife, law enforcement sources noted, the bandit then demanded the victim's bag.

After securing the victim's belongings, authorities said, the per- petrator fled from the scene on foot along Juniper Boulevard South.

Members of the 104th Precinct responded to the scene along with EMS units. The victim was taken to Wyckoff Heights Medical Center for treatment of her injuries, which were not life-threatening.

In responding to the incident, police units combed the park and the surrounding area for the suspect. During their search, police said, a knife and the black ski mask believed to have been used in the mugging were recovered a short distance from the crime scene.

No immediate arrests were made in connection with the incident, law enforcement sources noted.

The bandit, who remains at large as of press time (Tuesday), is described by police as a male standing 6'4" tall and weighing 200 pounds.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the 104th Precinct Detective Squad, police said.

Anyone with any information regarding the robbery that could prove helpful is asked to call the 104th Precinct Detective Squad at 1-718-386-2735; all calls will be kept confidential.