Man accused of trying to rape Muslim woman on Central Park bench

NEW YORK (PIX11) — A parolee is accused of ripping off a Muslim woman’s full-body hijab before trying to rape her on a Central Park bench on Monday, prosecutors said.

Lateef Caldwell, 30, allegedly tried to assault the 45-year-old woman before he was stopped by a group of good Samaritans near 109th Street and East Drive at around 5:20 p.m., according to the criminal complaint.

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The parolee allegedly knocked the woman onto a bench and tore her body-worn hijab above her waist before pulling down her pants and kicking her, prosecutors said.

The half-dressed victim fought off the attacker before several bystanders came to her rescue, authorities said…

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