Level III sex offender charged with attempted kidnapping in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A level 3 sex offender is now facing charges after police say he tried to kidnap two girls in Cambridge.

Cambridge Police arrested Lionel Brathwaite, 52, on Saturday after he tried luring two pre-teen girls on their way back from school last Wednesday.

Surveillance cameras caught Brathwaite, who police say is homeless, approaching the two girls. Police confirmed Brathwaite is a registered level 3 sex offender.

He reportedly asked them for directions around Auburn and Pleasant streets, and then proceeded to follow them for several blocks.

At one point, authorities say he grabbed one of the girls by the arm and asked them to follow him in an alley.

Both girls were able to break away and run home.

Cambridge Police issued a warrant for Brathwaite's arrest on Friday before bringing him into custody a day later.

Officials are also still investigating a similar - but separate - incident that took place on February 3, where an unknown man followed a 17-year-old girl home from Central Square.

Cox Media Group