Stranger breaks into apartment, sexually assaults woman, CMPD says

CHARLOTTE — A stranger broke into a northeast Charlotte apartment in the middle of the night and sexually assaulted a 25-year-old woman inside, police said.

The crime happened at about 1:30 a.m. Monday on Orchard Trace Lane in the Hidden Valley community. Jason Vernon, 23, was arrested and is in police custody.

“It’s really, really, scary,” resident Cousia Watson said. “I’m trying to get out of here, myself.”

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The victim was asleep when Vernon allegedly broke into her home, police said.

“I’m blown away, but I’m not really surprised,” Watson said. “Not at all. It’s a really dangerous area.”

Vernon was charged with first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, sexual battery, assault on a female, interfering with emergency communication and resisting public officer. He is behind bars in the Mecklenburg County Jail.

Neighbors said they hope he stays there.

“And for the second time, throw the book at him,” Watson said. “Throw the book at him. He should not come out, no rehabilitating him or anything.”

Vernon was arrested on April 30, 2019 and charged with:

• Assault to inflict serious injury
• Assault on a female
• Attempted second-degree forcible sexual offense
• Attempted second- degree forcible rape
• Breaking or entering into a motor vehicle (3)
• Driving with license revoked
• Fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle (3)
• Reckless driving
• Resisting public officer (3)
• Sexual battery
• Speeding

No further information has been released.

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