Sex offender found in woods during manhunt, charged with rape

A rape reported in Gordon County led to a manhunt and the arrest of a convicted sex offender, authorities said.

Charles Edward Nobles, 55, is accused of raping someone at a private residence on Gillespie Road near Fairmount, the sheriff’s office said in a news release.

Deputies responding to the residence early Monday morning received a detailed description of the assailant and immediately launched a manhunt in the area.

Nobles was found in a densely wooded area near State Road 53. Deputies arrested him after a brief foot chase, the sheriff’s office said.

Detectives charged Nobles, who has a criminal history and is a registered sex offender, with one count of rape.

He remains in the county jail pending judicial proceedings.

About the Author

Ellen Eldridge

Man sentenced to life in slayings of Cherokee firefighter, wife

The deaths of Amber and Justin Hicks shocked their family and community. On Friday, Matthew Lanz was sentenced to life in prison.

2h ago

CobbLinc first public transit agency to deploy AV tech with Cumberland shuttle

8 driverless shuttles on a roughly 3-mile route will connect key landmarks, including Truist Park and The Battery, Cumberland Mall and the Chattahoochee River Recreation Area

2h ago

‘I hope we don’t die’: Kids recount elevator rescue, reunite with firefighters

After being trapped for hours in an Atlanta high-rise elevator, two children were rescued by firefighters who rappelled down a blind shaft during frigid weather.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com