Williams
PORT JERVIS – City Police in Port Jervis say they have a suspect in one of two sexual assaults on September 15 and September 17 during the early morning hours.
On September 15th, at about midnight, a 27-year-old woman reported that she was walking to her residence on Barcelow Street near the intersection with Fowler Street when she was forcibly grabbed from behind, dragged into a driveway and forcibly raped. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.
On September 17, at approximately 1 a.m. a 29-year-old woman reported that she was walking on West Main Street near Clark Street when she was forcibly grabbed from behind and dragged down a steep embankment leading to the D&H Canal Tow Path. The assailant physically assaulted the victim and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim struggled with the suspect, causing him to flee on foot.
Both victims were treated at a local hospital.
During the investigation into this second incident, police developed a suspect and with the assistance of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, a search warrant was obtained for 149 Pike Street, Apartment #1.
During the evening hours of September 17 police took Lionel Williams, 44, into custody at that address. He is charged with one count attempted first-degree rape and attempted first-degree sexual abuse, both felonies, in the September 17 incident.
Williams is in the Orange County Jail in lieu of $750,000 cash bail pending grand jury evaluation scheduled for September 20.
The investigation is continuing into both sexual assault cases and police are seeking information from the public. Contact the Port Jervis Police Department at 845-856-5101 or the Detective Unit at 845-858-4003.
