Man hid in downtown Atlanta library, sexually assaulted security guard

Atlanta police are searching for a man they say sexually assaulted a security guard at the Central Library.

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Credit: Channel 2 Action News

Atlanta police are searching for a man they say sexually assaulted a security guard at the Central Library.

A security guard was sexually assaulted inside the downtown Atlanta library after a man held scissors to her throat, according to a police report.

The suspect hid in the Central Library for hours Sunday and waited until the building closed to attack, Atlanta police told Channel 2 Action News.

According to the report, the victim was working when the man came up behind her, held the scissors to her throat and said “don’t move.”

Police said the man attempted to force her to perform oral sex. The man then told the victim to pull down her pants, but she was able to run away, according to the report.

“The victim was able to flee from the library, at which time the suspect began chasing after her,” Atlanta police Officer Stephanie Brown said. “The suspect stopped chasing the victim when he observed two males outside. Officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.”

Authorities told Channel 2 the security guard, who was a contract worker, was unarmed during the alleged assault.

In a statement to Channel 2, officials said the Fulton County Police Department met with the county’s contract security provider to review all protocols and guard training.

“Security has been increased to include an armed guard during library hours,” the statement said. “We have also communicated with library staff about security and safety protocols at Central Library and all library branches.”

A photo of the suspect, captured from surveillance footage inside the library, was released.

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