Claverack, New York – On May 23, 2021, the New York State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested Christopher W. McCaul, age 40, of Claverack, for Burglary in the 1^st degree, a class B felony, Attempted Rape in the 1^st degree, a class C felony, Assault in the 2^nd degree, a class D felony, Criminal Mischief in the 3^rd degree, a class E felony, Forcible Touching, Criminal Obstruction of an Airway, Criminal Mischief in the 4^th degree preventing an emergency call, and Resisting Arrest, all class A misdemeanors.

At approximately 11:35 p.m. on May 22, 2021, Columbia County 911 dispatched Troopers to a residence on State Route 217 in the town of Claverack for a possible burglary.  Troopers and Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene to find McCaul attempting to rape the victim.  After a brief struggle he was taken into custody.

Further investigation determined McCaul had been conversing with the victim outside the residence at which time he forcibly touched the victim.  The victim then ran into and secured the house.   McCaul forcibly entered the residence and was able throw the victim’s phone while calling Columbia County 911 before assaulting the victim.

McCaul was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for evaluation and then arraigned before the town of Claverack Court.  He was remanded to the Columbia County Jail without bail to reappear before the court on May 26, 2021, at 9:00 a.m.