CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Detectives with Charlotte-Mecklenburg police are asking for the public's help identifying the suspect in a sexual assault that was reported along Woodlawn Road near Interstate 77 early Wednesday.
The assault occurred in the 200 block of West Woodlawn Road, near the Ramada Plaza, Radisson Hotel and IHOP restaurant just off I-77. It happened around 12:45 a.m. on Aug. 2.
CMPD released multiple surveillance photos of the suspect Thursday morning. The suspect was last seen walking away from the area. He's described as a Hispanic man who is around 5-foot-10 and in his mid-20s. CMPD said the suspect has short dark-colored hair and was last seen wearing a baseball cap, light-colored shirt, camouflage shorts and a floral-pattern neck gaiter.
"Our survivor was walking when she decided to fight back," a CMPD detective said. "We do suspect there may be some injuries to his face or neck."
Investigators said several businesses in the area cooperated with the investigation, allowing them to send out surveillance photos of the suspect.
"It's very alarming and that's why we work nonstop to put out the information so this person's caught," the detective said.
A woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, told WCNC Charlotte's Lexi Wilson that there's prostitution and drug use in the area. She added it wasn't the first time she'd heard of an incident like this happening.
“I mean it's messed up, it’s really really messed up,” the woman said.
Meanwhile, Queen City Harm Reduction, which provides direct services to people who use drugs, comes to the area every Thursday. Lena Escobar with the organization says safety always needs to be top of mind.
“If you get that gut instinct that something's not right, move on or go somewhere safe,” Escobar said.
She's hopeful the suspect gets caught.
“That should never happen… it should never happen to anybody,” Escobar said.
Later in the day Thursday, CMPD shared another photo that clearly shows the suspect's face.
Anyone with information about this case or the suspect's identity is asked to call 911 immediately. Witnesses may also call Charlotte Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
Note: WCNC instituted a 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.