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Cambridge man arrested for kidnapping, police still investigating separate incident

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Cambridge Police have arrested a 52-year-old man in connection with the kidnapping of two sisters in the area of Pleasant Street on Thursday, according to a release from the department.

Lionel Ivan Brathwaite Jr. of Cambridge was brought into custody on Saturday morning at 7:25 a.m. on two counts of kidnapping.

Cambridge Police confirmed Brathwaite, a 52-year-old who police say is homeless, is a Level 3 sex offender.

The two sisters, both pre-teenagers, were allegedly walking home together in the area of Pleasant Street and Auburn Street Thursday evening, and were reportedly approached by a man they had not seen before, who was later determined to be Brathwaite.

Police say the suspect allegedly asked for directions and grabbed one of the sisters by the arm, before proceeding to walk with the sisters down several streets before stopping at Salem Street.

Brathwaite allegedly asked the sisters if they wanted to go down an alley with him, and when the sisters declined, he allegedly apologized and removed his hands from one of the sisters.

The two sisters both ran towards their home, and later the suspect was described as a black man, around 40-50 years old and approximately 5-foot-8, who reportedly smelled like alcohol and was wearing a black jacket with a beanie.

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

Officials are 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.

That suspect reportedly also attempted to approach the woman's daughter a year ago at her work and while she was walking home from school.

The second suspect was described as a white or light-skinned bald man with a noticeable scar on his head, driving a black motor vehicle.

Cambridge Police say they're investigating both incidents, and anyone with any information is asked to call them at 617-349-3300.