Attempted Rapist On The Run In Kendall
KENDALL (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Police released a composite sketch of a man wanted for the attempted sexual battery of a woman in Kendall.
According to investigators, the 31-year-old victim was walking in the area of Kendall Drive and SW 122nd Avenue on Monday February, 6th between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. when a man approached her and started yelling obscenities at her.
The man then pulled the woman into some nearby bushes and violently attempted to sexually assault her.
The woman, however, fought back and caused an injury to her attacker's face. It was enough to scare him off and he ran away.
Police say the man should have a noticeable injury to his cheek, which may need medical attention.
"She managed to fight him off, struck him in the face, caused a laceration to his face and we believe that someone could identify him by lacerations to his face," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Javier Baez.
Women who live near or work in the area are concerned.
"I think it's terrible," said Micki Micari. "I think there should be more police activity in the area so it doesn't happen again."
Andrea Rodriguez agreed.
"You feel unsafe that somebody like that is out there," said Rodriguez.
Police are asking for the public's help in finding this suspect.
"I have a daughter and for me it's important to see if the police can get him," said Yovana Valentin.
Michele Rudnick, shopping in the area on Wednesday said it's important for women to protect themselves.
"Maybe perhaps try not to be by yourself at that hour," said Rudnick.
Rodriguez also had advice for women to stay safe.
"Be very cautious of all your surroundings at all times. Don't get caught in thinking that your safe all the time."
CBS4's Peter D'Oench stopped at 20 businesses in the area of Kendall Drive and Southwest 122nd Avenue and found that several stores had flyers in their windows with the suspect's picture on them.
The flyers described him as a "muscular person" who was also bitten on the cheek and the face by the victim.
Ryan Arnaiz, the owner of Nutripro Vitamin Store, told D'Oench, "I've been the owner of the store here for the past 10 years. I know everyone who comes in and I have not seen this person before."
"The police asked me to put the flyer up and were checking vitamin stores and fitness places because I was told he was muscular," said Arnaiz. "This is very unfortunate that this has happened in this neighborhood area and I hope they find this gentleman and that justice is done."
The suspect is described as a black man, between 25 – 28 years old, 6'1", 200 lbs., medium length dreadlocks, last seen wearing white an oversized t-shirt and dark blue jeans
Anyone with information on the suspect is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.
