An 8-year-old girl in Louisville’s Portland neighborhood made it behind a locked door after a woman allegedly chased her from the sidewalk and then tried to get into the home. The woman was arrested and now faces two felony charges in connection with the reported encounter.
According to Louisville Metro's Portland Wharf History page, General William Lytle owned land next to the harbor below the Falls and in 1811 laid out the town of Portland.
Charra Lewis, 42, was arrested Saturday after the victim’s family flagged down Louisville Metro police, according to WAVE News. Court records described in that report say Lewis is charged with attempted kidnapping of a minor and attempted second-degree burglary.
The girl told officers she was standing on the sidewalk across from her home when Lewis approached, asked whether she needed help finding her mother and tried to give her an item. The girl ran toward the house as Lewis allegedly chased her in an attempt to restrain her, then got inside and locked the door.
Police Say The Encounter Moved To The Front Door
The citation alleges Lewis grabbed a metal garden pole and began beating on the home’s door after the girl got inside. The reported damage included a window screen, and officers also found a handprint on the side of the house.
Lewis was later stopped by officers and reportedly said she believed the children did not belong to the victim’s mother and that she was trying to take them to "save" them. The account is based on the police citation described by WAVE, and the allegations have not been tested in court.
Arraignment Scheduled For Monday
Lewis is scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning. The charges are allegations, and the arraignment will be an early court proceeding rather than a determination of guilt.
