Repeat Offender Arrested for Attempted Rape in Manhattan Subway Station
A shocking incident unfolded in a Manhattan subway station when a half-naked sex offender with a history of 51 arrests allegedly attempted to rape a 21-year-old woman. Lamel Batten, a 44-year-old homeless career criminal, reportedly attacked the unsuspecting woman as she got off a platform bench at the 116th Street – Columbia University subway station on Wednesday night.
According to sources, Batten, who was naked with his pants down, threw the victim against a wall in the No. 1 train station before violently snatching her shirt down and shoving his face between her breasts. The victim managed to break away as he tried to remove her pants and ran to the mezzanine level of the station to report the attack to the authorities.
Repeat Offender’s Criminal History
This disturbing incident is not an isolated one for Lamel Batten. Weeks before this attempted rape, he was arrested for public lewdness and exposure of a person in another Upper West Side subway station. The criminal complaint stated that Batten was caught masturbating on the No. 1, 2, 3 platform at the 96th Street and Broadway station on September 4th.
Batten’s extensive criminal record includes 51 arrests for public lewdness, resisting arrest, and narcotics possession. State prison records reveal that he served time at Marcy Correctional Facility, where he was released in 2011. In 2017, he was back in prison for criminal possession of a controlled substance and was granted parole less than a year later. His most recent arrest was for petit larceny in March 2024, but details of his sentence were not disclosed.
Legal Proceedings and Gang Affiliation
Following the attempted rape at the Manhattan subway station, police arrested Batten at the scene and charged him with the heinous crime. Manhattan prosecutors requested supervised release for the non-bail eligible charges against him. Batten was described by sources as a member of the violent street gang Nine Trey, adding another layer of concern to his criminal activities.
As Batten awaited arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, the community was left reeling from the brazen nature of his repeated offenses. The victim, traumatized by the attack, bravely reported the incident, highlighting the importance of speaking out against such despicable acts of violence.
The case of Lamel Batten serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with repeat offenders. Despite his history of arrests and time served in prison, Batten continued to engage in criminal behavior, posing a threat to public safety.
In conclusion, the arrest of Lamel Batten for attempted rape in a Manhattan subway station sheds light on the urgent need for effective measures to address repeat offenders and protect vulnerable members of society. This case serves as a sobering example of the consequences of unchecked criminal behavior and the importance of swift and decisive action by law enforcement authorities.
