CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives are asking for the public's help identifying a man who forced his way into a woman's home and sexually assaulted her in Charlotte's University City area Sunday morning.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said it happened at an apartment complex on Kumara Road just after 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. Capt. Jim Ivie said the victim answered a knock on the door and was assaulted.
"She opened the door thinking it was a friend or roommate," Ivie said. "She innocently opened the door and was immediately attacked."
Ivie said the victim was strangled during the assault but she was able to fight off her attacker. She was taken to a hospital for treatment. Ivie said CMPD detectives gathered evidence from the scene that they hope will lead them to a suspect.
CMPD detectives have been in the area since the assault was reported, looking for any potential witnesses or surveillance video that would show the suspect. CMPD said the man was last seen wearing a tan windbreaker and tan pants.
Ivie said none of the people involved in the case are students at UNC Charlotte. Some residents in the apartment complex could be students, but neither the victim nor the suspect are students, according to Ivie.
According to the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, random attacks are less common. The organization said three out of every four rapes committed are by someone the victim knows.
Emily Barnhardt with Safe Alliance said no one is immune to sexual assault and it can happen anywhere and anytime.
"The unfortunate reality is that the only way to prevent sexual assault is for people to stop assaulting people," Barnhardt said.
Barnhardt said the way to mitigate this is by creating a better culture.
"Coming back to the importance of our society creating a culture that is safe for everyone and spaces are safe for everyone," Barnhardt said. "Looking at true prevention of sexual assault.”
CMPD said they are still looking for the suspect at this time. They offered risk reduction tips if you are living alone. The department recommended installing peepholes in your door so you can see who is approaching. They also said deadbolts and chains can provide some extra security.
Toni Williams, a neighbor, said she already implements these safety precautions.
"I look out the door keyhole and if it’s somebody I don’t know, I say what’s your business, what do you need," Williams said. "It’s 2023. It's sad but this is where we are.”
Jax Hendrickson is the Founder of Igneus Self Defense, her training is designed to give women the tools they need to protect themselves and breaks down practical methods to situational awareness.
“If I don’t know you, even if you're dropping off a package, just leave it at the door. Door dash, leave it at the door,” said Hendrickson. “I’m not opening my door unless I have met you and we have some rapport.”
Hendrickson said your voice is also a tool for self-defense.
“Speaking up, being as loud as you can, being forceful, stop, get away, get out, that is always helpful,” Hendrickson said. “Even if it is just screaming.”
She adds if you’re being attacked use your body; elbows, knees, and nails to fight back and showed us some quick moves.
“I’m dropping into my foundation because it is going to give me a place to go, a place to move and I grab you and I’m here thinking what can I do how can I hurt them... to get them away from me… and I’m throwing an elbow up here," Hendrickson said.
Henrickson reminds folks that everyday items, like a pen, can be used as a weapon.
“You’re reaching for the eyes, you're reaching for the ears, you’re reaching for super high pain point,” Hendrickson said. “You are trying to hurt them because they are coming into your space, they are coming into your home trying to hurt you.”
If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual assault, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673.
Contact Jesse Pierre at jpierrepet@wcnc.com or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Contact Austin Walker at awalker@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.