For Immediate Release

Date: June 18, 2024

Location: 1000 North Coliseum Boulevard

Time: 1301 hours

Suspect Arrested #1: Christopher Dyrell Applewhite, 34 years old

Preliminary Charges: Count I: Felony Rape; Count II: Felony burglary; Count III: Felony strangulation; Count IV: Felony armed robbery; Count V: Felony intimidation with a deadly weapon; Count VI: Felony criminal confinement; Count VII: Felony serious violent felon in possession of a handgun; Count VIII: Misdemeanor resisting law enforcement by fleeing on foot; Count IX: Felony unlawful carrying of a handgun

Details/Summary:

Numerous FWPD officers responded to a report of a sexual assault that had just occurred on June 16, 2024. Upon arrival, those officers encountered a male matching the description provided to the dispatcher by the victim. The male fled from the officers as they attempted to speak with him. While fleeing, the male was observed dropping a loaded pistol. He was taken into custody a short distance away. He was identified as Christopher Applewhite. Mr. Applewhite had a small knife on his person. The adult female victim provided details of the sexual assault stating the male forced his way into her room armed with a knife. The victim said she was armed with a pistol but the alleged defendant was able to disarm her and use the pistol in the alleged crimes. Mr. Applewhite was subsequently arrested. The victim was taken to a local hospital for her injuries and to the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center (SATC).