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Bus cameras capture photos of rape suspect

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It could be the big clue police need to find the man they say raped and robbed a mentally disabled woman. Detectives have pictures of the man getting off a CATS bus.

Neighbors who live near the bus stop in southwest Charlotte are counting on the photos to help police crack the case.

"It's a big surprise, I mean something like that happening in this neighborhood," said Cassidy Copley.

A single mom with a 6-month-old son, Copley hopes someone recognizes the man.

"I've been more leery. I put the bar in my sliding glass door now," Copley said.

PHOTOS | More Surveillance Images

Wearing plaid shorts, a red sweatshirt and white baseball cap, police say the 20-something, blond-haired man in the pictures got off a city bus at Harvest Lane and Sharon Lakes Road, followed a 52-year-old mentally disabled woman home where then, investigators say, he raped her and stole money from her wallet.

"We thought this was a safe neighborhood," Copley said. "Oh, everybody's been talking."

After living here for four years, Copley says she knows the victim, but has not talked to her about the attack.

"We stay so close to one another. I mean, you're gonna meet your neighbors," she said.

Copley never takes the bus, but says many neighbors do. She knows what she wants to say to the suspect.

"You deserve what you get. Karma will come back to bite you in the butt, basically," Copley said. "You do bad to people, and bad is gonna come to you."

Neighbors say they've seen a lot more police patrols lately but are disappointed that the condominium complex never informed them about the crime. CATS wants everyone in Charlotte to know that every city train, bus and platform has cameras.

Anyone who recognizes the man should call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.