Chapel Hill Police Make Arrest in Sexual Assault Case

Chapel Hill Police arrested a 46-year-old man in connection with a sexual assault that occurred earlier this month in the parking deck of an apartment complex.

Authorities said Vernon Lamont Reed was arrested Monday and charged with first-degree forcible rape, robbery with a dangerous weapon, assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and kidnapping.

Police had been investigating for more than two weeks after the assault took place around 3 a.m. Friday, September 13, at Shortbread Lofts apartments.

“We would like to thank the community for the many tips that we’ve received in this very difficult case,” Chapel Hill Police Chief Chris Blue said in a release. “And, our investigators have worked around the clock for more than two weeks to run those tips down. The tips, the immense amount of community interest in this case, and the hard work of our investigations team are what have led us to the arrest today.”

Reed is being held in the Orange County Jail under a $500,000 secured bond and is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Tuesday.

This was one of multiple incidents in recent weeks that have caused safety concerns, specifically among members of the UNC community.

Authorities said anyone who feels they are in need of assistance, either speaking with the Crisis Unit about how they were affected by the news of the assault, receiving information about personal safety resources or receiving a site security check, is asked to call (919) 968-2760 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. If you feel you are in immediate danger, call 911.

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