WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-More police presence in Uptown after woman raped

More police presence in Uptown after woman raped

By Brigida Mack - email

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Police in uptown Charlotte stepped up their presence after a woman was raped and beaten near the light rail line early Tuesday morning.

Jennifer Lutz told WBTV reporter Brigida Mack she's normally with her girlfriends when she's out in uptown but said she's now re-thinking her weekend plans. "I would go out with girls just like whatever and not really thinking about it," said Lutz. "But now--probably bring the guy more often."

She isn't the only one changing her strategy. With the rapists still on the loose, Captain Jeff Estes said you'll definitely notice some changes.  "I have groups that specifically work Wednesday through Saturday nights," he said. "That's all they do. And then I have plain clothes, off duty--you mix all that together, we have a good presence here."

Their presence will focus on the several blocks in Uptown packed with bars and clubs. But you won't just see them on bikes and along street corners. You'll also see them on the lookout in alleys and cut-throughs.

Police say the woman was walking alone when the men came from behind and attacked her. It happened near the arena along East 5th Street around 2:00 am.

The 28-year-old woman had just left Dixie's Tavern on 7th Street and was heading toward her car parked at the Epicenter.

The victim told police she did not get a description of the suspects, but said they are light-skinned black males who wore dark clothing.

Police are hoping DNA evidence will help them find the perpetrators.  They are also reviewing video from surveillance cameras in the areas where the attack occurred.

If you have any information about this case, call 704-353-0094 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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