Talk Turns Violent At Victim's Home

CLAVERACK, NY — A Claverack man faces four felony and four misdemeanor charges after an incident that started with a conversation outside the victim's house, New York State police said.

At 11:35 p.m. Saturday, Columbia County 911 dispatched state troopers to a residence on State Route 217 in Claverack for a possible burglary.

When they and County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived, they said they found Christopher W. McCaul attempting to rape someone. After a brief struggle, he was taken into custody.

Police said according to their investigation, McCaul had been conversing with the victim outside the residence at which time he forcibly touched the victim.

The victim then ran into and locked the house. Police alleged McCaul forcibly entered the residence, took the phone away from the victim, who was calling 911, and then assaulted her.

McCaul, 40, faces charges of Burglary in the 1st degree, a class B felony, Attempted Rape in the 1st degree, a class C felony, Assault in the 2nd degree, a class D felony, Criminal Mischief in the 3rd degree, a class E felony, Forcible Touching, Criminal Obstruction of an Airway, Criminal Mischief in the 4th degree preventing an emergency call, and Resisting Arrest, all class A misdemeanors.

McCaul was transported to Columbia Memorial Hospital for evaluation and then arraigned before the town of Claverack Court. He was sent to the Columbia County Jail without bail to reappear before the court on Wednesday.