Man Charged In McAlpine Greenway Assault

CHARLOTTE, NC– “It’s shocking, you don’t expect a friendly place like this to happen,” says runner, Laura Greeson.

News of a sexual assault on the McAlpine Creek Greenway spread fast with people enjoying the beautiful weather. Just a day earlier police arrested 20-year old Tenedrick Strudwick for beating and raping a 64 -year old woman after dragging her into the woods along terrace drive off the greenway path.  The victim told police she was walking her dog around 5:15 Tuesday evening when a man came up to talk to her.

“They had a slight conversation before basically he took advantage of her,” said CMPD Capt. Cecil Brisbon.

Police say they applaud the victim for her bravery after the assault, not only did she flag down someone on the trail to call 911, but also stuck around to help police catch Strudwick.

“For giving us the information that we need and for helping us go through the investigation and answering the questions we needed to ask her so we could try and stop somebody else from being victimized,” said Capt. Brisbon.

Which is why with spring weather here and more people outside, police tell everyone to be extra cautious.

“Now I just run with my husband to feel safe now,” said Gleeson.

“Anytime you’re going in a place this remote, the buddy system applies,” said another runner.