NEAR FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) — The Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit released a sketch of an individual involved in a disturbing case of sexual assault and attempted kidnapping. Detectives have also released surveillance footage showing the suspect’s vehicle.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, in unincorporated Broward County near the 2900 block of West Sunrise Boulevard.
According to the victim, an adult female, she was seated on a curb when an unfamiliar man driving a dark-colored pick-up truck pulled up and propositioned her with money for sexual favors. Rejecting the suspect, she began to walk away.
“The victim declined the subject’s officer,” said BSO Spokesperson Gerdy St. Louis. “The subject is possibly between 50 to 60 years old, that’s what the victim has told them. The victim is a 26-year-old female.”
Subsequently, the man exited his vehicle, forcibly grabbing the victim’s arm, and compelling her into the truck, according to authorities.
Authorities said despite the victim’s struggle, the suspect managed to overpower her outside the vehicle and sexually assault her.
“According to investigators, the victim fought the subject and managed to exit the vehicle,” St. Louis said. “However, the subject manged to overpower the victim and sexually assaulted her outside of the car.”
The victim was able to break free from the suspect’s grasp and find help at a nearby establishment, where she was able to call 911.
Video surveillance footage from the area captured the victim’s desperate sprint for help after the incident. The video also showed the suspect’s vehicle trailing closely behind her, as she searched for help.
The vehicle is later seen fleeing the scene as the victim seeks safety within the business.
“Detectives are asking anyone who may be able to identify the subject in the sketch or identity the vehicle to contact Broward CrimeStoppers if they were in the area and saw anything, detectives are asking to contact them because any little detail may be able to help them solve this case,” Gerdy St. Louis said.
If you have any information on this crime, 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.
Copyright 2023 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.