Man charged after alleged attempts to sexually assault two women

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — A 32-year-old man is facing two kidnapping and attempted rape charges after he allegedly tried to sexually assault two women within an hour.

Court documents said about 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, a woman got into a car driven by the suspect, identified as James Holmes, at the bus stop at Main Street and Hamilton Road on Columbus’ East Side after he offered her a ride. He allegedly asked her about a sex act, and when she refused, the stopped the car and locked the doors.

The woman claimed he grabbed her, removed her from the car and pushed her to the ground. He continued to ask about the sex act and, after she refused again, he left, according to court documents.

About 5:30 p.m., Holmes picked up a different woman at a gas station at East Livingston Avenue and Alum Creek Drive and made the same requests, per court documents. This victim told police Holmes tried to lift her dress up and asked for 20 minutes to engage in sexual activity.

After parking the car, Holmes attempted to open the passenger door, but the victim locked it. He then opened the rear passenger door and threatened her by claiming that he would pull out a gun. Holmes then attempted to sexually assault her, per court records.

Both victims identified Holmes, who was later arrested. He is due in court on Friday.

Court records said that Holmes faced a kidnapping and rape charge in 2021 and was indicted on them. Complaints and affidavits said he picked up a woman to drive her to a gas station and allegedly raped her.

He pleaded not guilty to both and a nolle prosequi was issued to halt the case after prosecutors could not contact a key witness to testify in court.