Fayetteville man wanted in beating, sexual assault

Investigators believe that Michael Anthony Lee broke into the victim's home in a neighborhood outside Fayetteville around 6 a.m. Saturday, said Debbie Tanna, a spokeswoman for the sheriff's office.

Lee cut the woman's hair, beat her and sexually assaulted her, Tanna said. The woman managed to escape from Lee after two hours and call for help.

She was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center to be treated for her injuries. An update on her condition wasn't available.

Lee, 24, of 419 Vanstory St. in Fayetteville, is described as a black man, 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. He has several distinguishing tattoos on his face, including a dollar sign on his nose and tear drops from both eyes.

Authorities described Lee as a violent offender and warned the public not to approach him.

He has 18 convictions dating to 2003, including three counts of simple assault, breaking and entering, trespassing and communicating threats, according to state Department of Correction records. He was released from jail in January and placed on probation in March for traffic offenses.

Anyone with information about Lee's whereabouts should call the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office at 910-323-1500.