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Woman Raped Along Uptown Light Rail Line

Police are searching through dozens of security camera videos to try to spot two men who raped a woman after she left an uptown bar early Tuesday.

The victim told police she left Dixie's Tavern sometime after 2 a.m. and was walking to her car parked a few blocks away at the EpiCentre.

She was walking on the sidewalk along the light rail line, and when she reached East Fifth Street, she said two men grabbed her from behind, pulled her off the sidewalk into a dark area that may have been a loading dock or parking garage and sexually assaulted her.

Officers said the girl screamed and the two men ran away.

Capt. Jeff Estes of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said such attacks rarely happen, especially in uptown. He said investigators are currently looking through video from cameras along the light rail line and on buildings in uptown.

Estes said they'll also shift some officers overnight.

"What we'll do is center a little focus in the area where this occurred. We'll continue on the same path we've been on, but we'll just tweak it a little bit," he said.

The CMPD makes sure there's plenty of police presence uptown on a regular basis.

People have noticed, and that's why many said they are surprised by the attack.

"I think there's police on every corner, and the people are really friendly, so I feel safe every time I come here. I feel really safe walking through here," said Tammy Smith.

Jessica Wrisby lives uptown and said she normally walks alone.

"I'm pretty much always by myself, but now I'll be watching. I didn't think it would happen right here," she said.

The victim drove herself to Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy and reported the crime.

She never got a good look at the men, only describing them as two light-skinned black men wearing all black.

Estes said that even with plenty of police nearby, it's always good to walk in groups and stay in well-lit areas.

Anyone with information on the case can call to speak directly to lead Sexual Assault Detective J. Bumgarner at 704-353-0094.

Anonymous tips can also be phoned in to Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.

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