The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A 63-year-old woman was attacked in the early morning hours of December 9 while doing laundry in a shared laundry room at a residential building in Hialeah, Florida.
According to investigators, a 21-year-old man entered the room while she was alone and confronted her. Police said the suspect was armed with a knife and forced the woman against a washing machine. He allegedly threatened her with the weapon and tried to pull down her clothing in a purported attempt to sexually assault her. The woman later told officers that she begged him to stop and even offered him money. Authorities believe the suspect continued to restrain her and ignored her pleas.
The alleged attack was interrupted when a neighbor heard the woman screaming and rushed toward the laundry room, causing the suspect to back away and run from the building, leaving the victim behind. The authorities were notified, and Hialeah police were sent to the scene.
Officers interviewed the woman and the witness and reviewed surveillance video from the apartment complex. When discussing the situation, the victim shared that the attack had deeply affected her sense of safety, leaving her fearful and hesitant to leave her home. The video footage helped investigators identify a suspect. Police later confirmed his identity with the assistance of a family member and began tracking his movements.
On the evening of December 14, the man was located in a local apartment and taken into custody. He was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on multiple charges, including attempted sexual assault with a weapon causing severe bodily injury, armed kidnapping, and aggravated assault. At the time this was written, it was reported that he was being held without bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.