FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for a man who is accused of sexually battering a woman at gunpoint in Fort Lauderdale.
The incident occurred on Feb. 27. in the 700 block of Southeast 16th Street at around 2:30 a.m.
According to Fort Lauderdale Police, the victim was walking in the vicinity of the 1600 block of South Federal Highway when an unidentified suspect began trailing her in his vehicle.
Police said that the suspect then exited his vehicle armed with a handgun, confronted the victim and demanded money. Upon refusal, police said that the suspect forcibly took the victim back to his vehicle and sexually assaulted her at gunpoint.
“We’re investigating an armed sexual battery that occurred in the 1600 Block of South Federal Highway,” said Fort Lauderdale Police Sergeant Hector Martinez. “It is obvious that he was targeting the victim.”
After the assault, the victim managed to escape from the vehicle and flee the scene. The suspect also fled the scene.
“We think he has to know the area because the area he was driving around, where he met the victim, how he followed the victim,” said Martinez.
Video surveillance footage obtained as part of the investigation shows the suspect’s vehicle in the area before and after the incident.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 20s, standing 5 feet 10 inches, with short dark hair, a clean-shaven face, and a medium build. He was possibly wearing a white t-shirt with a dark-colored sweater and long dark pants at the time of the incident.
“We are concerned that this person may do it again,” said Martinez.
Police said that he was driving a gray Hyundai sonata, believed to be a 2018 or 2019 model, with dark tinted windows and a paper tag instead of a real license plate.
“The rims appear to be an upgrade for that model,” said Martinez.
Authorities urge anyone with information or relevant video surveillance footage to contact Detective Sergeant Hector Martinez at 954-828-5510 or Detective Christopher Chylack at 943-828-5535.
Information can also be provided through Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477). Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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