HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Police hope clear pictures will help them catch a man who, they said, raped a woman near the Hollywood Police station, as they spread awareness to area residents.
According to investigators, the subject approached the victim along the 300 block of South Park Road, early Friday morning.
“She was violently sexually assaulted by a suspect,” said Hollywood Police Officer Christian Lata. “It was pretty close. It was about a block away from the police station, at around 4 o’clock this morning.”
The victim said she was walking to work when she was attacked and sexually assaulted by the subject.
Police said the woman dialed 911, and that was when officers got involved.
“i’m just scared, like, I don’t know what to think,” said a woman who lives nearby. “It’s really crazy, it’s heart-wrenching for her.”
The area resident, who didn’t want to give her name, said she was heading to the airport that morning when she saw the heavy police response.
“Like 12 police [officers] in the industrial park just there surveilling the area,” she said.
Fortunately, the victim is expected to be OK.
Police described the subject as a man in his 20s.
“He was described as a male Hispanic, medium build, about 6 feet tall,” said Lata.
Detectives said the man was wearing a sweatshirt, shorts and a blue mask.
“We really need to take this guy off the streets,” said Lata.
The area resident said she initially didn’t know what happened, but after learning about the incident, she is now living in fear.
“Just me being a woman and having sisters, a daughter, family and friends, and also just being right there when it actually, maybe, went on, just a few minutes before the time was really crazy,” she said.
“We want people to know that, you know, you’ve got to be aware of your surroundings,” said Lata. “We’re asking you to please be vigilant and don’t walk alone if you don’t have to.”
It’s advice that the area resident who spoke with 7News said she now lives by.
“My heart goes out to her and to all the different women in the area,” she said. “Be safe, walk with a buddy system, have your pepper spray.”
If you have any information on this incident or the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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