Police search for FTL armed sexual battery suspect who assaulted victim at gunpoint
FORT LAUDERDALE - Police are asking for the public's help in finding a man they said is responsible for a Broward County armed sexual battery incident last month.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on February 27 on the 700 block of Southeast 16th Street.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was walking around the 1600 block of South Federal Highway when an unknown suspect began to follow her in his car. Shortly after, he got out of his vehicle with a handgun and approached the victim, demanding money.
When they refused, he then dragged the victim back to his car and raped her inside the vehicle before the victim managed to escape and run away from the scene.
Fort Lauderdale Police surveillance video from where the incident occurred and a sketch of the suspect to help with the investigation.
Sgt. Hector Martinez told CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench "We believe this person will do it again and that is why we are reaching out to the public for help. We believe he initially attempted an armed robbery and was targeting the Victim. We always worry there are other victims out there of sexual assault and it is often not reported for different reasons."
He said, "The message is we need help. Look around your neighborhood and maybe you have seen that vehicle. He seems to have knowledge of the area."
Residents told CBS News Miami they were horrified.
A resident named Matthew said, "It is horrible. It is outrageous. We need to get tough on crime."
"Would you like to see him captured?" He was asked.
"Absolutely," he said. "They should throw him in jail and throw away the key."
The suspect is described as a man in his 20s who's about 5'10" with short hair, a clean-shaven face and a medium build. His car is said to be a 2018 or 2019 gray Hyundai Sonata with a dark tint, and he was wearing a white t-shirt with a dark-colored sweater and long dark pants.
Anyone who may recognize the suspect or have any information regarding the case needs to contact Det. Sgt. Hector Martinez at (954) 828-5510 or Det. Christopher Chylack at (943) 828-5535. If you wish to talk anonymously, contact Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 496-TIPS (8477).
Police did not release the age of the victim but they did note that she was not here for spring break.