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Gainesville Police Department search for suspect in alleged attempted rape

Gainesville Police Department is investigating a reported rape attempt.

Police say registered sex offender Stephon Barnes is the suspect in the alleged attempted rape of a woman in the area of Arlington Square apartments on 2nd Place in downtown Gainesville.

Gainesville Police Public Information Officer Ben Tobias said the victim's description of her attacker led to the department to identify Barnes as a suspect. Authorities said there is a warrant out for Barnes' arrest in Georgia for not registering as a sex offender in that state.

Tobias said police have not located Barnes, but the area is safe.

Emily is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.