North Carolina Teen's 911 Call Halts Sexual Assault on Mother After Alleged Rapist Broke Into Home, Police Say

A North Carolina man has been arrested after he allegedly broke into a home and attacked a woman who lived there, but police were able to interrupt the rape that was in progress after the victim’s teenage child called 911, according to authorities.

Around 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 24, the teen called 911 and dispatchers had officers on the road two minutes later, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

When officers arrived at the scene they “heard sounds of screaming and distress from inside” and made entry, officials said.

While the suspect, later identified as 32-year-old Santerius Qwayshawn Allen, had a previous arrest for assaulting a police officer, he complied this time.

In a press briefing, CMPD Major Jonathan Thomas said, “He is off the streets right now and shouldn’t be let out.”

According to Captain James Ivey, Allen reportedly used a “blunt object” to smash a window in the back of the house and he came inside. The victim heard the noise and came downstairs to investigate, which is when she was immediately attacked.

The victim’s teenage child heard the attack, so they called 911 for help, authorities said.

Thomas said, “We made this arrest due to the bravery of that child and the bravery of this victim.”

The victim was taken to a local hospital for treatment and “is going to be OK,” Ivey said.

Allen was arrested and charged with breaking and entering, first-degree kidnapping, second-degree rape, second degree sex offense, sexual battery and assault on a female, authorities said.

Never miss a story — sign up for the Front Page Detectives newsletter. Be on the scene the moment news breaks.

Allen has been arrested in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County six times in the past, but this is the first time he has been arrested for a sexual assault, officials said.

Authorities do not know why Allen targeted this residence and they are still trying to figure out his whereabouts prior to the attack, including where he was living and whether he had a vehicle.