CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is crediting DNA evidence with helping them find a man they say tried to rape a woman in Charlotte more than 20 years ago.
According to CMPD, the woman first reported she was pushed to the ground on Oct. 16, 1998. The suspect, who she did not know, tried to sexually assault her. She was treated at a nearby hospital, and a sexual assault kit was completed. She was 48 years old at the time this happened.
CMPD said the case went cold for years. In 2004, the suspect's DNA profile was obtained from the original evidence collected in 2004 and added to a database. More than 16 years later in 2020, detectives with the CMPD Cold Case Unit say David Earl Allen, now 49 years old, was identified as a match.
Allen's genetic profile was matched to the records in Charlotte after he reportedly committed an unrelated crime in Michigan. A laboratory review confirmed the match, and warrants were issued for Allen's arrest.
Police say Allen was eventually found and arrested in Sacramento, California in August 2021. He has since been extradited to Mecklenburg County, where he has been charged with 1st-degree kidnapping and 2nd-degree attempted rape.
The investigation into this case is ongoing, and CMPD has promised updates. Anyone who may have information on this case is urged to leave an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip online or by calling 704-334-1600.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
Because CMPD has not indicated if Allen is deemed a suspect in other sexual assaults, his mugshot is not being shown.
