Charges dropped against teen accused in assault at Ballantyne greenway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charges have been dropped against a teenager accused in an assault and robbery at a Ballantyne greenway.

Police are urging people on McMullen Creek Greenway to walk or run with a partner after a second crime this year was reported on the greenway.

Authorities said a 35-year-old man was attacked Memorial Day weekend while using a cut-through from the greenway to get to his apartment.

The victim was assaulted at 1:45 p.m. and also robbed, according to a police report.

“It’s just so sad, because you just want to come out and walk and I love being out there with nature,” said greenway user Mary Joy Yanicak.

Police said the victim was able to give a good description, which led to the arrest of 18-year-old Shaun Cassidy. Cassidy is charged with robbery and conspiracy. Those charges were dropped.

The victim in the attack couldn't positively identify Cassidy as the suspect.

Channel 9 looked at this criminal history and found that since December 2014, he has been arrested 15 times for burglary, assault, resisting arrest, drugs and possession of stolen goods.

The other crime along the McMullen Greenway was reported in March. Police said a man with a knife tried to sexually assault a woman. Officers beefed up patrols in that area.

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