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CHARLOTTE — A 32-year-old man is accused of breaking into a home in Ballantyne and sexually assaulting a woman Wednesday morning, police said.
Officers responded to the home in the 10200 block of Chivalry Drive off Ballantyne Commons Parkway on a breaking-and-entering call.
They heard screaming inside and quickly took Santerius Qwayshawn Allen into custody.
The victim’s teen child called 911 to say someone broke into their home and was assaulting his mom downstairs.
“It was a very violent assault,” said CMPD Maj. Jonathan Thomas.
“This was very rare for us to catch a violent offender like this, in the act, on the scene,” Thomas said.
Police said Allen broke into the woman’s home at about 10:30 a.m. through a window and raped her.
The attack appeared to be random, CMPD said.
The teen was not physically assaulted, police said.
“That brave child was able to stay on the phone hiding, stay on the phone with dispatchers until officers arrived,” CMPD Capt. Jamie Ivie said. “Officers made entry and were able to quickly take the suspect into custody.”
He was taken to jail and charged with first-degree kidnapping, second-degree rape, second-degree sex offense, sexual battery, and assault on a female.
The suspect has a criminal history.
“I just cannot say enough how much this person should not be out,” Thomas said. “Hopefully, the justice system will take control of this person and put them away for a very long time.”
Allen was not issued a bond Wednesday.
He has an October 2015 conviction for assault on an officer in Cleveland County, according to the North Carolina Department of Corrections.
While in prison, he was also charged with malicious conduct, possessing stolen goods, and assaulting another officer.
In 2014, Allen was charged with a breaking-and-entering charge. That case was dismissed because of insufficient evidence.
Allen is scheduled to make his first court appearance Thursday morning.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
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Amanda Smith is a dedicated U.S. correspondent with a passion for uncovering the stories that shape the nation. With a background in political science, she provides in-depth analysis and insightful commentary on domestic affairs, ensuring readers are well-informed about the latest developments across the United States.
