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Homeless Man Charged After Central Park Assault Attempt

3/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lateef Caldwell, a 30-year-old homeless man living in a Wards Island shelter, attempted to rape a 45-year-old woman in Central Park on Monday.
Bystanders intervened and stopped the assault.
Caldwell was charged with attempted rape, attempted sexual assault, and sexual abuse.
He had parole for a similar offense from April 2022 and had previously served time for first-degree attempted sexual abuse.
The arraignment was pending as of Tuesday.

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Story summary

Lateef Caldwell, a 30-year-old homeless man living in a Wards Island shelter, attempted to rape a 45-year-old woman in Central Park on Monday.
Bystanders intervened and stopped the assault.
Caldwell was charged with attempted rape, attempted sexual assault, and sexual abuse.
He had parole for a similar offense from April 2022 and had previously served time for first-degree attempted sexual abuse.
The arraignment was pending as of Tuesday.