THOMASVILLE — A man captured Monday morning is charged with rape after breaking down a door and sexually assaulting a 24-year-old woman at her North Hansell Street home.

The victim was alone at home around 7 a.m. Monday when Fred Jones burst through the kitchen door at the residence, said Lt. Toby Knifer, Thomasville Police Department Criminal Investigations Division commander.

“The woman heard a loud bang and found him in her kitchen,” Knifer said, adding that the suspect was armed with a knife.

Because the assailant stole the woman’s cell phone, she had no way to call for help and drove immediately to the police department.

Within an hour, the victim’s cell phone was located at 708B Oak St., home of 32-year-old Fred Jones.

Jones fled when officers arrived at his residence.

Sgt. Scott Newberry and detectives Daniel Powers and Chris Baggett captured Jones after a foot chase.

Late Monday morning, crime scene officers continued to process the crime scene — between East Washington and East Monroe streets — for fingerprints, DNA and other evidence to tie Jones to the scene.

“This person is off the street,” Knifer said. “He is in jail and no threat to residents.” 

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820