A Gainesville man remained in the Hall County Jail Wednesday afternoon ten days after police arrested him following a domestic incident in which he broke through an apartment wall to get to the victim, a 15-year-old girl and other of her family members. It happened Aug. 5 at an apartment complex on Summit Street, according to information provided by police Wednesday.
“Officers were dispatched just before 10 p.m. after multiple 911 callers said they saw a man dragging a woman by her hair and hitting her repeatedly as she screamed,” police spokeswoman Jessica Van said. “When officers arrived, they saw the assault in progress and immediately separated the man and the victim.”
Lt. Vann said identified the suspect as Obed Reyes, 29, a resident of the complex.
According to investigators, Reyes broke into the victim’s apartment by forcing his way through a closet wall from a neighboring unit. Records show Reyes also lives in the complex, though police said he and the victim did not know each other.
The victim, a 15‑year‑old girl, had been at home with two younger family members, ages 5 and 7, when Reyes allegedly broke through the wall, grabbed her by the hair and punched her several times. Van said she managed to escape into the breezeway while screaming for help, but Reyes continued the assault. During the attack, he allegedly threatened to rape her.
“Reyes was taken into custody at the scene and charged with burglary, aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping and two counts of cruelty to children.” An immigration “hold” has also been placed on him.
Police said the quick action of witnesses helped prevent further harm.
““I commend the witnesses’ quick response of calling 911 to get our officers there in time to prevent further torment and trauma of the victim,” Chief Jay Parrish said. “‘See something, say something’ goes a long way in our community and we are grateful to have a community that looks out for each other.
“Our officers did an excellent job removing a violent criminal off the streets, and that was just the beginning. The victim has a long road of recovery ahead following such traumatic events and we hope our community can surround her with that support.”