A late night grocery run at a Cherokee County Kroger turned terrifying Tuesday when a woman fought off an attacker inside the store restroom, according to deputies. She screamed, swung her keys, and managed to break free before the man bolted from the store. The scare has rattled shoppers while investigators canvass nearby businesses for video and leads.
Deputies were called to the Kroger off Cumming Highway around 10:20 p.m. Tuesday. The victim told investigators she had just opened her stall door when a man tried to assault her. She used her keys to fend him off and get away. Store surveillance video shows the man watching her before he runs from the store, deputies say. Investigators later recovered images of the same man going into women’s restrooms at neighboring businesses that night. According to Atlanta News First, authorities are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to contact law enforcement.
Police describe the suspect
Deputies describe the suspect as white, between 17 and 23 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a man bun and a patchy beard. He was last seen wearing black pants and a navy hoodie. No arrests have been made, and the investigation remains active.
Local context and past cases
The case follows other high-profile assaults in the county in recent years and highlights how quickly investigators now depend on community video to move cases forward, according to reporting by WSB-TV. Deputies say tips from shoppers and store cameras are often central to identifying suspects in incidents like this.
How shoppers can help and stay safe
Investigators are asking anyone with information or video to call 911. Non-emergency contact numbers for the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office are listed on the department's website, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff's Office. Shoppers can reduce risk by traveling in pairs, keeping a charged phone within reach, and carrying keys or a personal alarm to draw attention if they feel threatened.
This remains an active investigation, and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact 911 so deputies can follow up. This report will be updated as more details become available.
