Obed Reyes, 29, stands accused of attacking a teenage girl after police say he broke into her family's Gainesville apartment by smashing directly through the closet wall separating their units.
Background
The incident occurred on Aug. 4 at an apartment complex on Summit Street Southeast in Gainesville, a city roughly 55 miles northeast of Atlanta. According to investigators, both Reyes and his alleged victim lived in the same building but did not otherwise know each other. At approximately 10 p.m., police say Reyes broke through the wall separating the two units and entered the victim's home.
The Investigation
Once inside, authorities say Reyes targeted a 15-year-old girl. Police allege he grabbed her by her hair and repeatedly punched her while her 5-year-old and 7-year-old family members watched. The victim managed to escape momentarily and fled into the breezeway of the apartment complex, but police say Reyes followed her, grabbed her again by her hair, and struck her a second time as she screamed for help. During the attack, investigators allege Reyes threatened to rape the victim.
Witnesses called 911 during the assault. Officers arrived to find the attack still in progress and intervened, pulling Reyes off the girl, according to police.
"I commend the witnesses' quick response of calling 911 to get our officers there in time to prevent further torment and trauma of the victim," Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said in a statement. "'See something, say something' goes a long way in our community, and we are grateful to have a community that looks out for each other. Our officers did an excellent job removing a violent criminal off the streets, and that was just the beginning."
The Charges
Reyes has been charged with one count each of kidnapping, aggravated assault, burglary, and criminal attempt, as well as two counts of cruelty to children in the third degree. He is being held in the Hall County Jail without bond. Court records indicate he also has an immigration detainer.
"The victim has a long road of recovery ahead following such traumatic events, and we hope our community can surround her with that support," Parrish added in comments to WSB-TV.
Key Takeaways
- Reyes allegedly broke into the victim's apartment by smashing through the closet wall separating their units at an apartment complex on Summit Street Southeast
- The victim is a 15-year-old girl; police say she was attacked while her 5 and 7-year-old siblings were present in the home
- Investigators allege Reyes grabbed the victim by her hair, punched her multiple times, and threatened to rape her during the assault
- Both the defendant and victim lived in the same Gainesville apartment building but reportedly did not know each other
- Officers arrived to find the attack still in progress and intervened, pulling Reyes off the victim
What's Next
Reyes remains in custody at Hall County Jail without bond pending his criminal proceedings. The case is being prosecuted through the court system, though specific arraignment or trial dates have not yet been set. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.