Watch CBS News

Man Charged With Attempting To Rape Woman In Boston Public Garden

BOSTON (CBS) – A man was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempting to rape a woman in the Boston Public Garden.

The woman was walking in the park around 6 a.m. Monday when a man suddenly put his hand over her mouth, threatened her and tried to take off some of her clothes. She broke free and escaped. The man ran off.

Boston Police said they found the suspect, 30-year-old Luan Maxwell, Tuesday morning on Boylston Street. When officers approached him, he fled, but was caught on Harrison Avenue.

Maxwell did not show his face in court but he could be heard muttering behind a door after his attorney said he was incoherent and needed a psychiatric evaluation.

Maxwell was arraigned on a charge of assault with intent to rape. Police say he tackled a woman who was walking through the Boston Public Garden early Monday morning, held his hand over the victim's mouth and told her he wanted sex.

The victim was able to escape to a nearby Starbucks.

Police reviewed surveillance video from the park and determined the suspect was Maxwell who is a homeless person known to frequent the area.

Police caught up to him when they got a call from the St. Francis House.

Police said Maxwell has previously exposed himself to children and he has an open charge of assault with a dangerous weapon. He's being held on $20,000 cash bail and will be evaluated by a doctor.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.