Man Charged With Kidnapping, Sexually Assaulting Child Off West Charlotte Trail

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Police say they arrested a man for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a child off a trail in west Charlotte.

Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department say a 12-year-old flagged down a CMPD officer who was driving a marked patrol car on March 16th just after 6:30pm on Tuckaseegee Road.

The victim said he was walking down a trail when the suspect, Animir Roberts, attempted to force him further into the wooded area and then inappropriately touched him.

Animir Roberts

The child was able to push and get away from the suspect and then was able to flag down the officer, according to a news release.

Police say Roberts was located quickly and taken into custody.  He has been charged with taking indecent liberties with a child and 1st degree kidnapping.

Anyone with additional information on this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.