The Latest (10/13/21):
A sex assault suspect is behind bars after police say they attacked a woman walking near Cherry Road in Rock Hill.
Police are now looking into a connection to any other crimes in the area.
“That’s crazy,” said one woman, in shock about the news.
“This is where I work. This is where people come to eat. We’re supposed to feel safe,” she continued.
“I come to this gas station all the time and just to know that somebody could get attacked right there is beyond me,” said Jaylah McCants, a Rock Hill resident.
According to police, just before 10 p.m. Monday night, a woman was attacked while walking along Automall Drive towards the Circle K gas station. She told police that she saw a shadowy figure who then attacked her when she walked by. The woman fought back, but the assailant tried to pull her pants down and drag her into the woods.
Police say the woman was carrying a gun and that she was able to get a hold of it and fire at her attacker in order to get away.
According to the police report, the woman emptied the clip, but was unsure if she struck the attacker.
Nearby surveillance video shows the suspect. Police say the man is now in custody and being investigated for the crime.
People who live and work near the gas station say they’ll be more cautious.
“When it starts hitting home, it makes you think about things,” said McCants.
The woman didn’t suffer any injuries. Police have not identified the suspect or announced the charges he faces.
Original Story (10/12/21):
ROCK HILL, S.C. — A woman fought off and shot a firearm at a man that was sexually assaulting her in Rock Hill Monday night.
Officers responded to Automall Parkway, off of Cherry Road, around 9:45 p.m. after reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers learned from the victim that she was walking on Automall Parkway when she saw a shadow and the person grabbed her.
The victim and suspect then began to fight which included the victim hitting the suspect multiple times while he was trying to pull her pants down, police said. The suspect then tried to pull her into the wood line away from the roadway.
Police said the victim was able to retrieve her gun and start shooting at the suspect as he ran toward Celanese Road.
According to a news release, the suspect has been described as a black male with a fade, light blue skinny jeans, and a dark blue hoodie with white letters.
If anyone has any information regarding this incident, they are asked to call 803-329-7293.