Rubber bands from the sex offender’s braces were used to link him to a woman’s alleged kidnapping from Baltimore Park.

Woman attacked in Leakin Park.

A 71-year-old woman was kidnapped and sexually assaulted after being attacked while walking on a trail in Northwest Baltimore’s Leakin Park on November 7th. According to police, the woman was dragged into nearby woods by her attacker.

She was able to escape and call for help. Police and paramedics responded and transported the woman to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Detectives then began an investigation into the assault.

Unusual evidence leads to suspect.

Through their investigation, police discovered small rubber bands at the scene that are commonly used to hold braces in place. They submitted the rubber bands for analysis and were able to determine the dental office where they originated.

Records showed the rubber bands matched the orthodontic braces of 46-year-old Charles Avon Taylor, a convicted sex offender on probation living in the park. On November 16th, Taylor was taken into custody and charged with kidnapping, sexual offense, and assault-related charges.

Taylor’s criminal history includes a 1998 conviction for child sexual abuse. He had been required to register as a sex offender since being released from prison in 2008. Police believe Taylor was living illegally in Leakin Park in violation of restrictions on sex offenders.

Community on alert

The brazen attack in the park, which is a popular spot for jogging and hiking, alarmed nearby residents. Community leaders held an emergency meeting to address safety concerns and develop strategies to protect vulnerable areas better.

Extra police patrols have also been assigned to the park and surrounding neighborhoods. Taylor remains detained pending trial. The unique forensic evidence linking the rubber bands