Surveillance shows suspect luring woman to rape her, police say

EAST POINT, Ga. - East Point Police release  surveillance of a man they said lured a woman to an isolated area, after she asked for directions, and beat her and raped her.

Friday, police released video of the man they believe is responsible for the brutal attack. The surveillance video shows the man heading east across a field on the campus of Kipp South Fulton Academy, walking towards the abandoned Washington Circle apartments.

WATCH: Police release new video of the man they say lured, beat and raped a woman

Concerned residents in the East Point community came together Friday night at a meeting hall at Gus Thornhill's Funeral home to get answers about the brutal crime.

"This is one of the worst things I have heard go on in this community," said long-time resident Charles Barlow. 

WATCH: East Point community meet with police

Police now describe the man as 6 feet tall, around 27 years old, with a slim to medium build, goatee and braids. They said he may be homeless. 

Authorities told FOX 5 News, the woman had taken public transit to the area around downtown East Point off Main Street, and needed directions to nearby Hapeville. Police said she approached a man who told her he knew of a "shortcut," and told her she could follow him.

Police said he lured her to the wooded area around the abandoned apartment complex off East Washington Avenue, where he beat her and sexually attacked her. The woman was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for her injuries.

Earlier in the week, police released a sketch of the man in hopes someone would recognize him. 

Residents expressed their concerns about crime at the abandoned apartments. They tell FOX 5, they hope the city acts to finally tear down the dilapidated complex, which they said attracts homelessness and criminal activity. 

City officials tell FOX 5, they plan to start the legal process to force the owner to clean up the property, or get a court order to tear it down. They tell FOX 5, the owner who recently bought the land lives in Germany. 

Unfortunately it took this... to get something to happen," said another resident. 

WATCH: Sketch released of man police say raped a woman

Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call East Point Police or Crime Stoppers.

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