ATHENS, Ga. — Athens-Clarke County Police Department has arrested a 19-year-old Athens man in connection with a reported rape early Saturday morning in downtown Athens.
Officers responded around 1:38 a.m. on February 28 to the area of 400 North Thomas Street after receiving a report of a sexual assault.
According to police, the investigation determined that Tydarius Wingfield approached a female victim, identified as a University of Georgia student, and offered to walk her home. Authorities said the victim did not know Wingfield.
During the encounter, police allege Wingfield forced the woman behind a building, where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Investigators used the department’s Real Time Crime Center downtown camera system to review footage from the area. Officials said the technology allowed officers to track both the victim’s and Wingfield’s movements after the incident and positively identify the suspect.
Wingfield was taken into custody and transported to police headquarters. He has been charged with kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, battery, and rape.
According to ACCPD Lt. Katie Jenkins, the case remains under active investigation. She encourages anyone with information about this crime to contact Detective Charles Burgamy at Charles.Burgamy@accgov.com or 762-400-7173.
