Convicted rapist accused of trying to kidnap 2 girls near Central Square

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A man accused of kidnapping two young sisters near Central Square last week faced a judge Tuesday.

Lionel Brathwaite, 52, who police say is homeless, was arrested Saturday after police investigated a report of a man who had approached two 12-year-old girls as they were walking home together in the area of Pleasant and Auburn street on Feb. 14.

Cambridge Police said the suspect allegedly asked for directions and grabbed one of the sisters by the arm, before walking with them for several streets.

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Police say Brathwaite walked with the pair to Salem Street, with his hand still on the girl's arm, and asked them to go down a nearby alley with him. The sisters refused, Brathwaite let go of the girl's arm, and then apologized, according to police.

"He told them I want to hurt you, if you yell, I’ll shoot you...and then grabbed them, stated grab onto me hard, do what I say, I don’t want to hurt you, I’m not gonna hurt you if you come with me," Assistant District Attorney April O'Brien said.

The girls were apparently too frightened to even ask passers-by for help on the street.

The sisters ran home after the incident, police said, which was captured on surveillance video and released by police.

Braithwaite is charged with two counts of kidnapping. Police said he is a registered level III sex offender who was convicted of rape in 2003.

Police are also investigating a similar - but separate - incident that reportedly happened on Feb. 3, where a man followed a 17-year-old girl home from Central Square.

Brathwaite will be held without bail until a dangerousness hearing March 1.

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