A Guatemalan man has been arrested in New York after he fled a rape trial 30 years ago.

Nelson Gustavo Caceres, 51, was taken to Westchester County Jail on Friday night, after being on the run for crimes he allegedly committed in 1988.

The victim claims she met Caceres on the night of the incident, but later when she refused to go home with him he became angry.

He allegedly dragged her into the woods near to Mount Kisco and sexually assaulted her.

Caceres was freed on bail after being indicted that year but fled during his trial in White Plains in 1989.

In his absence, Caceres was convicted of 1st degree attempted rape and sentenced to between five and 15 years in prison.

Officers at the time believed he had returned to his home nation of Guatemala, but kept the case open.

Nelson Gustavo Caceres, now 51 (left), was arrested by Westchester County Police Department 30 years on from his alleged sexual assault of a woman in 1988 (right)

Three-decades on, detectives from the Warrant-Fugitive Unit (WFU) discovered information that Caceres may have returned to the area.

They conducted several interviews in the village and set-up surveillance in multiple locations.

Their investigations concluded that a man whom they thought to be Caceres, regularly frequented a deli in the area.

Spotting what they believed to be his red bike chained to a tree nearby on Friday night, officers found and apprehend the individual, taking him into custody.

Commissioner Thomas A. Gleason said: 'We received a good deal of cooperation in the Mount Kisco community during this investigation and are grateful for the public’s assistance.

'Mr. Caceres will now serve the sentence that was handed down three decades ago and the victim in this incident will receive the justice she deserves.'

He will also face additional charges for bail jumping of the second degree, a felony offence.

'WFU detectives never give up on a case - even if it's three decades old,' Westchester County Police Department wrote in a Facebook post.

In response on social media, people have commended their work.

Nancy McCaffrey wrote: 'Great News that he is off the street. Thanks to the WCPD. You men and women do a fine job protecting us , God Bless You Stay Safe...'

'Good job! Have a good time in jail,' Nelly Roque posted.

Another user, Krishnadat Basdeo Job, commented: 'Well done brothers'

Anyone with information about Caceres’ activities in Mount Kisco is asked to contact WFU detectives at 914-864-7901.