Sketch released of man accused of breaking into Gastonia home, sexually assaulting woman

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GASTONIA, N.C. — Gastonia police released a sketch of man they believe broke into an apartment at Georgetown Woods and sexually assaulted a woman.

Police said the assault happened on Jan. 2 around 11 p.m.

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They said a man in dark clothing and wearing a toboggan hat got into the apartment on East Hudson Boulevard through an unlocked sliding glass door.

"They are all kinds of sick people, so the sooner we get at it, the better," nearby resident Peter Ericson said.

On Tuesday, officers released a sketch of the suspect. They are asking anyone who can help identify him to call (704) 866-6880.

Police also advised residents to use a Charlie Bar or other security bars on their sliding glass doors.

"In the world that we live in these days, you have to take precautions at all times," said Donna Lahser with the Gastonia Police Department.

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