Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Robbery and Sexual Assault Unit Detectives are investigating two offenses that occurred overnight.
The first offense occurred in the Providence Division at the 3000 block of Ferncliff Rd. Two female victims were driving home at approximately at 2:00 am when their vehicle was struck from behind at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads. The female driver exits the vehicle and walks back to check for damage where she is confronted by the other driver who is armed with a handgun and demands money. When the females are unable to produce any money, the suspect forces them to drive to an ATM. They were unable to withdraw any funds and the suspect then forced them to drive away from the bank. The suspect directed them to the 3000 block of Ferncliff Road, where he raped the driver and fondled the passenger.
The second offense occurred at the 700 block of McDonald Avenue, which is located in the Westover Division. In this incident, the lone female victim was driving home, when at approximately at 2:35 am, her vehicle was intentionally struck from behind. When the victim exited her vehicle to check for damage, the suspect confronted her with a handgun and demanded money. The victim complied with the request and the suspect immediately left the area.
It is believed that these incidents are related and the suspect is described as being a dark skinned black male, 5’10 in height, thin build with a goatee. He was last seen wearing wearing a black hoody. The vehicle is described as a small dark colored car. The suspect could be possibly following women leaving bars and nightclubs.
We are seeking the public’s assistance. In the first incident, the suspect vehicle was left at the intersection of Runnymeade and Colony Roads and may have appeared to be abandoned between the hours of 2:00 am- 3:00 am. Detectives are also seeking a possible witness to the first offense. A white mini-van was seen at Ferncliff or around the time of the assault. The victim’s vehicle is a small white car.
Detectives from the Sexual Assault and the Robbery Units, along with the Special Victims Unit are actively investigating both incidents. They will be in the area of both crimes canvassing for additional information and witnesses.
We caution that all motorists while driving at night to be aware of your surroundings. If you are involved in an accident, please drive to a well-lighted area that is well populated and call 911 immediately. Be sure to turn your hazard lights on and wait for police to arrive before exiting your vehicle.
Please advise the public to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600, if they have any information regarding these cases. The lead detective assigned to this case is Det. C. Owens with the Sexual Assault and can be reached at 704-336-6030 and Sgt. D. Price at 704-336-4188.
