A New York City parolee, who is homeless, has found himself back in custody after an alleged attempt to sexually assault a woman in one of the city’s most frequented tourist areas. This incident comes just a few months after he was reportedly released for a similar offense.
According to the New York Post, 30-year-old Lateef Caldwell is accused of confronting a 45-year-old woman as she strolled through Central Park in Manhattan at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Monday.
During the alleged assault, which aimed to result in rape, a group of bystanders intervened, successfully chasing Caldwell away from the scene.
Caldwell now faces charges including attempted rape, attempted sexual assault, and sexual abuse following the incident in Central Park on March 23, 2026, as reported by the New York Post.
The victim, who was wearing a hijab during the attack, fortunately, did not sustain any injuries, according to reports.
As detailed by the New York Post, Caldwell allegedly targeted the 45-year-old woman during her walk in Central Park, attempting to rape her around 5:40 p.m. on Monday.
Caldwell subsequently fled the area and was taken into custody at nearby 106th Street and East Drive, the outlet reported.
Following his arrest, Caldwell was reportedly charged with attempted rape, attempted sexual assault and sexual abuse.
A group of bystanders reportedly chased Lateef Caldwell from the scene as he was allegedly attempting to rape a 45-year-old woman in New York City’s Central Park on Monday, March 23, 2026. (iStock)
However, the alleged incident is not the parolee’s first run-in with the law.
Last year, Caldwell, who lives in a shelter on Wards Island, was released on parole stemming from charges from a similar incident that occurred in April 2022, according to the Post.
At the time, authorities reportedly accused Caldwell of tackling a 23-year-old woman to the ground and attempting to remove her clothing.
He was placed on parole until 2029, the Post reported.
Caldwell was reportedly set to be arraigned on the most recent charges on Tuesday.
The NYPD did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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