Police search for man accused of sexually assaulting jogger

Charlotte Mecklenburg Police are searching for a man suspected of sexually assaulting a woman who was jogging in the Falcon Crest subdivision. It happened around 2 p.m. Thursday.

Police say the 22-year-old woman was jogging by herself along Highland Creek Parkway when a man started running next to her. He tried to engage her in conversation but she refused and told him to leave her alone.

She continued jogging and says the man followed her home. When she got to her front door, he began fondling her, police say. That's when she screamed and the man ran off. She called 911.

Neighbor Jean Reener said, "Very concerned," after learning about the incident. "Would be very leery about going out, walking by myself - not even sure about with somebody else. Never had anything like this happen before."

Police have beefed up patrols in the neighborhood. Residents say their community is safe but this reported crime has them now unsure.

"That's hard to say," Reener said. "I would be leery for a long time I would say until this person is caught."

The suspect is described as a black male in his late teens or early 20's. He is around 6'2'' with a slim build. He has short hair and is clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, black shorts, black socks and tennis shoes.

He was last seen running away near Kestral Ridge Drive with the T-shirt in his hands.

Neighbors believe the man will be put behind bars if caught. "If you keep doing that," the neighbor said. "You are going to get caught."

Police are now reminding people to carry their cell phones when walking and jogging so they can call 911 if needed. The phone will also be helpful to capture suspicious activity.

If you know anything that can help police, you are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 1:58 PM with the headline "Police search for man accused of sexually assaulting jogger."