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CHARLOTTE, NC — Police are searching for a man they believe carjacked, kidnapped and sexually battered a woman outside her South Charlotte home.
Investigators say the 18-year-old was driving home through Montclaire Estates at 10:30 Friday night when she found herself in front of a gun. Officers say the man behind it forced her back into her car.
“I would pepper spray someone,” said Sabrina Rodriguez. “Whatever is in my reach, that’s what they’re getting hit with.” Rodriguez, the victim’s neighbor, tries to imagine, ‘What if?”
“There’s a lot of crazy guys out there,” said Rodriguez.
WCCB Charlotte is protecting the victim’s name, but police say it took her attacker an hour to rob her of her purse, jewelry, and money, forcibly fondle her, and steal her red Kia Optima. Finally, he dumped her at a second location that investigators won’t release.
“I feel bad for her,” said Rodriguez. “I’m shocked because it’s usually quiet over here.” Another neighbor, Wanda Marchany, was surprised no one saw the attack in the close knit neighborhood.
“Imagine me, having five kids here. It’s really scary,” said Marchany.
CMPD won’t say if the victim in this seemingly random crime is a mom herself or if she lives alone.
They also won’t say why the man may have targeted her, but women who live nearby point to one possibility.
“They think they can take advantage of us small people, overpower us,” said Rodriguez.
Police will say the victim did not know her attacker. Once officers find him, he faces at least seven charges including sexual battery, larceny, kidnapping and intimidation.
