A young girl is speaking out after saying she was followed and sexually assaulted inside a Target store in Louisville, Kentucky. The incident occurred while she was shopping with her grandmother; she entered the restroom alone and, after exiting, noticed a man trailing her.
Details of the alleged assault
According to the victim, she tried to increase her pace, but the man continued to follow her. She entered the makeup aisle in an attempt to distance herself, but the suspect pursued her there. “He came up behind me and grabbed me,” she recounted, adding that she felt confused and walked away.
Immediately after the encounter, the girl sought out a Target employee, reported what happened, and security was called. Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) were notified, and a report was filed.
Police identification and arrest
LMPD used Target’s security footage and a distinctive tattoo on the suspect’s neck to identify the man as 25‑year‑old Drew Mullannix. Hours later, Lexington police announced that Mullannix had been arrested on a Fayette County warrant stemming from a separate alleged sexual assault at a Lexington hotel early Sunday morning.
In the Lexington case, Mullannix faces charges of sodomy, sexual abuse and wanton endangerment. He has not been charged in connection with the Louisville incident.
Victim’s response and community impact
The girl said learning of Mullannix’s arrest brought her some relief. “I was really happy that he was arrested because I didn’t know if he was going to do that to someone else or if he had been doing that to other people,” she said.
She hopes sharing her experience will encourage other girls and women to speak up when they feel unsafe. “If you feel uncomfortable or if something like that happens to you, always go immediately or go somewhere where you see an adult. Don’t be afraid to scream at the top of your lungs or tell an adult what just happened,” she advised.
Law enforcement follow‑up
LMPD was contacted for comment on the investigation, but no response had been received at the time of publication. The story remains developing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
