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Surveillance shows rape suspect with victim

SOUTH FULTON COUNTY, Ga. — The search is on for a suspected rapist, caught on surveillance, walking with his alleged victim.

Concerned neighbors demanded action Friday night about abandoned buildings, like the one where this crime happened.

According to police, the rape happened near abandoned apartments on Washington Avenue in East Point.

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Surveillance video police released today came from a nearby school.

Channel 2's Tyisha Fernandes was at the community meeting Friday where residents said repeatedly they want blighted properties torn down so that no one else will be assaulted.

Yaslyn Russell has lived in East Point her entire life. When she heard that a suspect raped a woman after that woman left the East Point MARTA station, it really frightened her.

“I don't know for some reason this time, it just did something to me,” Russell said.

According to police, the victim, who is not an East Point resident, was trying to get to Hapeville around 9:30 p.m. on February 23.

She told police she asked this man for directions and he said he knew of a shortcut. She followed him through a field and a school surveillance camera captured the 2 of them walking.

Police said the suspect raped and beat the woman badly.

After neighbors saw the video they asked police at the meeting if they are sure it's not a hoax.

Detective Ebony Johnson said there's no question.

“She suffered some very serious injuries and she's still at home recovering today,” Johnson said.

Police believe the suspect assaulted the victim in the abandoned apartments so residents wanted to know why the city won't tear them down.

City Solicitor Antavius Weems said it's not that simple.

City officials have to prove that the property is a nuisance before anything can be torn down.

“We can't just go onto them and tear them down, so we really do have to be very careful,” Weems said.

Police said they have increased patrols in this area and they want people to call police if they see people hanging out in abandoned buildings.


If you have any information about the rape suspect, call Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477.