Man Charged With Rape After Assault On The Putnam Trailway

CARMEL, NY — Carmel police called to a possible assault on the Putnam Trailway at 7 p.m. Saturday said they were able to locate and detain a suspect quickly due to fast action by witnesses.

The officers who responded were told that a possible sexual assault had occurred near Weber Hill Road in Mahopac.

The suspect was attempting to flee the area on a bicycle, police said.

Police found Neftali Caal-Chocoj of Mahopac, accused him of sexually assaulting an adult female victim adjacent to the trail, and took him into custody.

After further investigation, the 49-year-old was charged with second degree rape, a class C felony.

He was arraigned in Carmel Town Court where bail was set at $200,000 and he was transported to Putnam County Jail.

"Carmel Police also thank the assistance of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the response and the investigation of this crime," police said.