Police in North Carolina interrupted a rape in progress Wednesday morning, arresting a 32-year-old convicted felon who broke into a home and attacked a woman who lived there.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers arrived on the scene six minutes after the women’s teenage child called for help after hearing the attack.
“We made this arrest due to the bravery of that child and the bravery of this victim,” CMPD Major Jonathan Thomas told reporters at a briefing.
Police identified the suspect as Santerius Qwayshawn Allen and said he had been charged with breaking and entering, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree rape, second degree sex offense, sexual battery, and assault on a female, Thomas said he has abeen arrested in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County six times in the past, but this is the first time he has been arrested for a sexual assault.
Thomas said the teenager called 911 at 10:30 a.m., and dispatchers had officers on the road two minutes later. The four arriving officers “heard sounds of screaming and distress from inside” and made entry. While the suspect had a previous arrest for assaulting a police officer, this time, Thomas said, “he complied.”
“He is off the streets right now and shouldn’t be let out,” the major said.
Captain James Ivey said Allen used a “blunt object” to smash a window in the back of the house and came inside. The victim heard the noise and came downstairs to investigate. She was immediately attacked.
Ivey said she was taken to a hospital for treatment of her injuries after police arrived and “is going to be OK.”
“We do not know why he targeted this residence,” he said.
Investigators are still delving into Allen’s whereabouts prior to the attack, including where he was living and whether he had a vehicle.
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[Featured image: Santerius Qwayshawn Allen/Mecklenburg County Jail]
