A MAN allegedly punched through a wall to assault his teenage neighbor before threatening to rape and drag her through the street, authorities say.
Obed Reyes, 29, is suspected of breaking into the 15-year-old’s apartment and attacking her as she fought back in front of two horrified children, according to cops.
The Georgia local allegedly knocked a hole into the sheetrock separating his closet from his neighbor’s flat at an apartment complex.
The terrifying ordeal is said to have unfolded in Gainesville on August 5.
Reyes is accused of grabbing the teen, threatening to sexually assault her and punching her several times.
The teen is understood to have bravely fought off the suspect.
She fled the apartment but was chased by Reyes before he allegedly pulled her back by her hair.
Panicked bystanders heard her screams ring out through the complex before calling police.
Local cops rushed to the scene and arrived at 10pm local time.
They saw Reyes allegedly assaulting the teenage girl before pulling him away and arresting him.
The suspect left a large hole in the wall between the two apartments.
He is said to have used the gap to sneak into a closet in a room the teen was in with two younger relatives, aged five and seven, authorities say.
Reyes was charged with burglary, aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping, and two counts of cruelty to children.
He is also facing an immigration charge, although his status is not known.
Gainesville Police Chief Jay Parrish said: “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.
“‘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 victim has a long road of recovery ahead following such traumatic events and we hope our community can surround her with that support.”
Reyes is being held without bond at the Hall County Jail, according to court records viewed by The New York Post.
