Man breaks through wall in Gainesville apartment, assaults teen and threatens rape
A 29-year-old man smashed a wall between units in a Gainesville apartment complex on Aug. 5, entered a neighbor’s room and attacked a 15-year-old girl, threatening to rape her while two younger children watched.
On Aug. 5 in Gainesville, Georgia, a 29-year-old resident named Obed Reyes created a large opening in the wall that divided his closet from a neighboring apartment. He entered the unit where a 15-year-old girl was with two younger children, aged 5 and 7, and seized her, delivering several punches and threatening to rape her. The teen fought back, escaped onto the building’s breezeway and shouted for assistance, prompting nearby witnesses to call 911.
Police responded just before 10 p.m., saw the ongoing assault, pulled Reyes off the victim and took him into custody. Reyes has been charged with burglary, aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping and two counts of cruelty to children, and is detained without bond at the Hall County Jail. Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish praised the quick actions of the witnesses and officers, emphasizing community vigilance and the need for support for the victim’s recovery.
Why it matters
The case highlights serious safety concerns in multi-unit housing and the importance of rapid community response to violent crimes.
In this story
