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.
Update: At 7:25A, #CambMA PD patrolling Central Square placed Lionel Brathwaite Jr, 52, homeless, under arrest on a warrant for 2 counts of kidnapping. The warrant was issued following an ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of 2 sisters in the Pearl St. area on Feb. 14.
— Cambridge Police👮🏽 (@CambridgePolice) February 16, 2019
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.
Video shows the incident, where 2 pre-teens were approached. Suspect reportedly asked for directions, grabbed one of the sisters by the arm, and walked with them down several streets, asking them if they wanted to go in an alley with him before they took off running. #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/QwHzDHiYwn
— Courtney Spinelli (@CourtSpinelliTV) February 16, 2019
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.
Police continue to investigate a similar incident, where a 17-year-old girl was followed home from school by an unknown man. At this time, there is no word whether the two events are related. #Boston25
— Courtney Spinelli (@CourtSpinelliTV) February 16, 2019
The #CambMA Police Department wants to inform the community that it is actively investigating and seeking to identify suspects from two separate, recent incidents, in which young women were reportedly approached by strangers near Central Square. https://t.co/mF9z08qeYX
— Cambridge Police👮🏽 (@CambridgePolice) February 14, 2019
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.
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