Police ID Homeless Man Linked To Sex Assault Of Security Guard

CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte police are asking for the public’s help locating a homeless man they say is linked to the sexual assault, kidnapping and armed robbery of a female security guard at a building under construction in South End earlier this month.

Robert Codaryl Harrison, 30, was identified Monday as the suspect, according to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police, who say there are outstanding warrants for his arrest on each charge. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie, gray sweatpants topped by gray shorts, and has a small messy afro and a full beard.

“As a result of information and DNA evidence gathered during the course of the investigation, Sexual Assault Detectives identified Harrison as the suspect in this case and obtained warrants for his arrest for first degree rape, first degree kidnapping, and robbery with a dangerous weapon,” CMPD said in a statement June 17.

Harrison is believed to be homeless and described as 5-foot, 9-inches tall and weighing 175 pounds.

According to a police report, the victim was completing her security rounds in the building under construction on New Bern Street around 2:40 a.m. on June 3 when she was attacked.

“The victim entered the business lobby and was confronted by an unknown suspect,” who she had encountered twice the week before when she found him sleeping on the construction site and she asked him to leave, CMPD said. “ The suspect displayed a firearm and forced the victim into a room. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim and left the room once the act was completed.”

CMPD said that anyone who knows the whereabouts of Harrison or has any information about this case is asked to call 911, or can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.