Cobb County Police arrested a man who is accused of a violent home burglary and sexual assault that investigators said unfolded over several hours.
According to the arrest warrant for Jahmel Palmer, police said he broke into a woman’s home by damaging a window screen and door late Thursday night.
Once inside, police said Palmer physically attacked the victim, punched and strangled her, before sexually assaulting her and holding her against her will.
“It’s beyond horrific. It is something that I wish on no woman,” said Maurice, a nearby neighbor and father, who spoke about his reaction to learning how close he lives to Palmer.
Investigators said surveillance footage shows Palmer allegedly looking into several homes before the crimes occurred
Police quickly arrested Palmer. Maurice said he witnessed a heavy law enforcement presence at the apartment complex
“I was putting some furniture together for my daughter in her room when I heard all this commotion outside,” he said.
The incident has prompted Palmer’s neighbor to take extra precautions. Maurice said he’s now placing an even greater emphasis on safety within his family.
“I made it important to not only show my daughter and my female relatives self-defense, even in this day and time,” he said.
Palmer now faces multiple charges, including burglary, rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault by strangulation, and battery.
Despite the fear stirred by the incident, neighbors expressed appreciation for the swift police response.
“When they do something good for the community, kudos,” Maurice added. “I’m glad about that.”
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