A 29-year-old man is accused of breaking through a wall to enter his neighbor's apartment in Gainesville, Georgia, where he allegedly assaulted a teenage girl and threatened her. The incident occurred on August 5.
Authorities stated that Obed Reyes allegedly created a hole in the sheetrock separating his apartment from his neighbor's residence. He is suspected of entering a room where the teen was present with two younger relatives, ages 5 and 7. During the alleged assault, Reyes is accused of punching the 15-year-old multiple times and threatening to rape her.
The victim reportedly fought back, managed to escape the apartment, and alerted others by screaming on the breezeway. Witnesses then called 911.
Gainesville Police arrived at the scene shortly before 10 p.m. and intervened in the ongoing assault, taking Reyes into custody. The suspect sustained injuries consistent with the struggle, according to police.
Reyes faces multiple charges, including burglary, aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping, and two counts of cruelty to children. He is also facing an immigration charge, though his immigration status was not immediately known. He is being held without bond in the Hall County Jail.
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish commended the witnesses for their prompt response, stating that their actions helped prevent further harm to the victim. He also praised the officers for apprehending a violent suspect and acknowledged the victim's path to recovery.