William Takeo Sturdivant, 23, was arrested Monday in Charlotte following a December 13 alleged sexual assault in Smithfield.
According to police, they responded to a call at Smith-Collins Park for a report of a sexual assault. When they arrived, they received details from the victim about the alleged crime. Meanwhile, investigators say Sturdivant had already left the area.
Police say the victim and Sturdivant know each other, and the assault was not random. However, based on their interview with her, Smithfield Police believe there may be more victims.
"He's such a young man. He's been nothing but nice to me," said Vivian Grantham, who lives next door to Grantham. "I hate that for him. He's just a young man trying to get him a job and do good."
Neighbors said Sturdivant lived at his nearby home with another person believed to be a relative. They also said he had been living in the home for less than a year.
"I met him a couple of times, but he didn't seem like he would do something like that," said neighbor Marquise Kingsberry. "It's surprising it happened near a school. At the park. I don't know that time it happened. But it's still surprising that you would see something like that."
Sturdivant is facing felony charges of first-degree forcible sex offense, kidnapping, and assault by strangulation. His misdemeanor charges include sexual battery and domestic violence.
"That's crazy," Kingsberry said.
Sturdivant is due back in court in Johnston County on January 14.
Download the ABC11 App to get breaking news alerts
Anyone who may have information regarding this incident or who may be a victim should contact Detective K. Smith at 919-934-2121.