Man Arrested for Attempted Rape in Manhattan Subway Station
A disturbing incident took place in a Manhattan subway station on Wednesday night when a 44-year-old man, with a history of 51 past arrests, allegedly attempted to rape a 21-year-old woman. Lamel Batten, a homeless career criminal, reportedly attacked the woman at the 116th Street – Columbia University subway station around 11:45 p.m.
According to sources, Batten, who was half-naked with his pants down, assaulted the victim by throwing her against a wall and forcefully grabbing her shirt. He then proceeded to shove his face between her breasts and attempted to remove her pants. The victim managed to break free and seek help from the authorities at the station.
Police quickly apprehended Batten at the scene and charged him with attempted rape. This was not his first brush with the law, as he was recently arrested for public lewdness and exposure of a person at another Upper West Side subway station.
With a criminal record that includes multiple arrests for public lewdness, resisting arrest, and narcotics possession, Batten has a troubled past. He has spent time in state prison, serving sentences for various offenses.
Despite his criminal history, Manhattan prosecutors requested supervised release for the recent charges. Batten was described as a member of the violent street gang Nine Trey, adding another layer to his troubling background.
As he awaited arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, the community was left shocked by the brazen and heinous nature of the crime. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk in public spaces, highlighting the need for vigilance and safety measures.
