Real Estate Agent Fights Off Attempted Rapist

COBB COUNTY, Ga.,None — A Cobb County real estate agent fought off a man armed with a gun who attempted to rape her, Cobb County police said.

The assault happened at a new subdivision on Cheyenne Drive in Smyrna just before 4 p.m. Thursday.

According to investigators, a man walked into the subdivision’s business office and briefly spoke to the agent. Police said he pulled out a handgun, robbed her and forced her into a bathroom.

The man tried to sexually assault the agent, but she fought back, police said. After a brief struggle, the woman ran out through a back door, police said.

Channel 2's Ross Cavitt met with Stephan Sherman and his wife as they arrived at Stonehaven to meet with an agent. The Shermans said one of things that attracted them to the area was that it seemed safe from crime.

"It's kind of sad," said Sherman. "She's really been a great person. We've met her a few times."

The daylight attack reminded many of a November 2003 incident in which two West Cobb real estate agents were attacked, robbed and killed inside the basement of a model home.

Stacey Ian Humphreys is on death row in the slayings of Cynthia Williams and Lori Brown. The deaths sent shockwaves through the real estate community.

Karen Delameter knew them both. She said since then, most female real estate agents take IDs, use panic alarms or just pick up the phone at a moment's notice.

"I’ve done this many, many times. I call a friend and say, ‘Hey, I’m going out with a guy that’s giving me a really weird feeling,’” Delameter said.

Police are still looking for the attacker in the recent case. Anyone with information is asked to call Cobb police at 770-499-3945.

WSBTV