NC Rapist At Large After Daytime Attack In Frazier Park: Police

CHARLOTTE, NC — Police in Charlotte are asking for the public's help finding a man who robbed and raped a woman in broad daylight in Fraizer Park on Sunday afternoon.

In a news conference Monday, officials from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said the rape happened at 4 p.m. near the 600 block of McNinch Street.

Sergeant Allison Rooks, of the CMPD Sex Assault Unit, said a woman in her 20s was walking in Frazier Park when she was approached by a man who struck up a conversation with her by asking her a question.

The woman continued her walk after the interaction, but the man again approached the woman, this time brandishing a gun.

Rooks said the man took personal items from the woman then forced her to a location a short distance away where he raped her.

The woman's attacker is described as a black man with a thin build, unkempt short hair and a full beard. He's described as standing around 5 feet and 7 inches and is believed to be between 40 and 50 years old.

Rooks said the man was wearing a dirty white to gray tee shirt and dark pants.

An investigation into the rape is ongoing. Police ask anyone with information about the suspect to call the Crime Stoppers line at 704-334-1600. A $1,000 reward is offered.

Rooks said incidents like this rape are "extremely rare" in the area, especially during the day.

She said investigators believe at this time that the incident was a crime of opportunity and is not related to any other assaults in Charlotte.

"Obviously this is a huge red flag for some, but overall this is a safe area," Rooks said.

The sergeant recommended that residents concerned for their safety avoid walking alone.

"Be aware of your surroundings," she said. "Notify police if you see anything strange."