Transgender woman allegedly attacked by two women in bathroom in NC bar

Two women have been charged with sexually assaulting a transgender woman at a bar in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Amber Harrell and Jessica Fowler allegedly assaulted the 29-year-old transgender woman in the bathroom at the Milk Bar last month, WRAL-TV reported.

Police arrested Harrell, 38, over the weekend. Fowler, 31, turned herself in to the authorities Tuesday.

What happened?

The victim, who has not been identified, told police that Harrell and Fowler started out verbally abusing her in the bathroom on Dec. 9.

They allegedly joked about the victim's genitalia, exposed themselves, then pushed the transgender woman against the wall and touched her, according to the 911 call.

After they left the bathroom, the victim claimed that the attack continued at the bar.

"One of the girls is still touching all over me. She would not let go. I asked her numerous times. She (bartender) could see I was visibly uncomfortable," the victim told the dispatcher on the call, WRAL reported.

The women allegedly ignored the victim and the bartender's pleas to stop, according to multiple reports.

Witnesses told authorities that the women appeared to be targeting the victim because she was transgender.

What did the bar owners say?

Bunch of Fives Hospitality Co., which owns the Milk Bar, issued a statement to WRAL about the incident:

Bunch of 5s handles all matters that threaten our patrons in a timely fashion to ensure their safety and ability to enjoy themselves at all of our locations. This matter was handled with cooperation and full transparency with the Raleigh Police Department and the detective that was assigned this case. Bunch of 5s and Milk Bar seek to continue to welcome all patrons into a safe environment.

What are the charges against the women?

Harrell and Fowler were charged with second-degree kidnapping and sexual battery. Both women posted bonds — Harrell $50,000 and Fowler $30,000 — and were released from the Wake County Jail.