D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment In Central Park Attempted Rape

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of LATEEF CALDWELL, 30, for allegedly attempting to rape a 45-year-old woman inside Central Park in March 2026. CALDWELL is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count of Attempted Rape in the First Degree and one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.[1]

"Bystanders were able to intervene when Lateef Caldwell allegedly attempted to rape a woman simply enjoying an evening in Central Park," said District Attorney Bragg. "To any New Yorker who has survived sexual violence, I want you to know that we are here to help. Please call our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373 to contact our specially trained therapists and trauma-informed prosecutors and investigators."

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record in court, at approximately 5:40 p.m. on March 23, 2026, CALDWELL tackled the survivor near Central Park's Davis Center. CALDWELL pushed her onto a bench, knocking her down and onto her back, before tearing part of her abaya and attempting to rape her. Bystanders intervened and held CALDWELL until he was arrested by responding NYPD officers.

Assistant D.A.s Carolyn Powers and Joseph Goldstein are handling the prosecution of the case under the supervision of Assistant D.A. Vanessa Puzio (Chief of the Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Bureau) and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney (Chief of the Special Victims Division). Analyst Rachel Miller and Victim Services Advocate Katie Serrano provided valuable assistance.

District Attorney Bragg thanked the NYPD's Central Park Precinct and Detective Matthew Palmieri of Manhattan Special Victim's Squad.

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[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.