Police said the 15-year-old fought her way outside as neighbors called 911 and officers arrived during the assault.
GAINESVILLE, Ga. — A 29-year-old man faces several felony charges after Gainesville police said he broke through a closet wall into a neighboring apartment and attacked a 15-year-old girl who was home with two younger family members.
Obed Reyes was arrested after the Aug. 4 incident at an apartment complex in the 1000 block of Summit Street SE. Police said the attack happened shortly before 10 p.m. Reyes has been charged with burglary, aggravated assault, attempted rape, kidnapping and two counts of cruelty to children. The charges are allegations, and he has not been convicted in the case.
Investigators said Reyes and the teenager lived in the same apartment complex but did not know each other. Police said Reyes entered the girl’s apartment after breaking through drywall in a closet that separated the units. The teenager was inside with two younger family members, ages 5 and 7, when he allegedly came through the wall.
Police said Reyes grabbed the teenager by her hair and punched her several times. The girl fought back and escaped from the apartment into an exterior breezeway, where authorities said the assault continued. Emergency dispatchers received calls from witnesses who reported seeing a man dragging a teenage girl by her hair and striking her while she screamed for help.
Officers arrived while the confrontation was still underway, according to police. They separated the teenager from Reyes and arrested him at the scene. Investigators also allege that Reyes threatened to rape the girl during the assault, leading to an attempted rape charge. Authorities have not publicly identified the teenager because she is a minor.
Gainesville Police Department Capt. Justin Martin told Atlanta News First that the teenager ran for help, drew attention to the attack and resisted long enough for assistance to arrive. Martin said the circumstances were especially alarming because families often prepare teenagers for dangers at doors or windows, not for someone entering through a shared interior wall.
Police Chief Jay Parrish also credited witnesses who immediately called 911. Parrish said their quick response helped officers reach the teenager before the attack could continue longer. Police said the girl faces a lengthy recovery, though authorities have not released specific information about her injuries or current medical condition.
The two younger children were inside the apartment during the incident, according to investigators. Police have not reported that either child suffered physical injuries. Authorities said their presence during the alleged attack resulted in the two cruelty-to-children charges filed against Reyes.
Investigators have not publicly announced a motive or explained why Reyes allegedly targeted the neighboring apartment. Police also have not said how long it took to create the opening in the wall or whether anyone heard the damage before Reyes entered. The available reports indicate there was no known relationship between Reyes and the teenager before the incident.
Reyes was taken to the Hall County Jail following his arrest. No additional arrests have been announced, and publicly available reports reviewed as of Friday did not identify an attorney speaking on his behalf or provide a confirmed future court date. The criminal case remains pending.
Author note: Last updated August 14, 2026.