Two Volunteers of America workers helped stop an attempted sexual assault and capture the suspect Tuesday, police said.Police were called to the first block of Arkansas Avenue at about 8:30 a.m.
Two outreach staff members were meeting a 61-year-old woman there to offer social services, according to the report.But when they arrived, they found Joseph Lewis physically assaulting the woman and attempting to sexually assault her, Sgt. Kevin Fair said.Lewis tried to run away, but was tackled by one of the staff members as the other helped the victim, according to the report.The woman was transported to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center's City Campus for treatment.
Lewis, 51, of Atlantic City, was charged with attempted sexual assault, aggravated assault and contempt of court.
He was taken to the Atlantic County Justice Facility.
Note: The Atlantic County Justice Facility no longer provides mugshots to the media, citing the Atlantic County prosecutor’s order. The Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office says it’s part of the Attorney General’s Guidelines. There is no such guideline, according to the Attorney General’s Office, but they have told these offices for years that they should not release any photos that appear to be mugshots.
Sherrise Hoskins and Almeen Palmer were lauded by police as heroes after they interrupted an attempted rape last week.
But the Volunteers of America outreach workers are hoping the story brings focus to the problems on the street.
The two knew the victim, who lives homeless between Atlantic City and Pleasantville.
“We talk to her all the time,” Hoskins said of the 61-year-old victim. “She doesn’t really ask for help. If you try to give her stuff, she won’t really take it.”
They were used to seeing the woman near the McDonald’s at the foot of the Atlantic City Expressway.
But it was Palmer who first saw her last Tuesday, being attacked.
The two had parked like they usually do and were walking to work when Palmer suddenly took off.
“Oh, shoot! What’s going on?” Hoskins heard him yell.
That’s when she saw what was happening. ... Read more
