LAUDERHILL, FLA. (WSVN) - A suspected rapist has been arrested after, police said, he assaulted a teenager in Lauderhill, and detectives fear she may not be the only victim.
Police arrested Jermaine Henderson, 39, in Hollywood on Tuesday.
Investigators believe the suspect selected the 16-year-old victim at random on April 11.
“This is something that was random, and it was targeted,” said Lauderhill Police Maj. Mike Santiago. “There are no known connections. The suspect does not live in the city of Lauderhill.”
Detectives said the victim had just gotten off her school bus and was walking home when the attack occurred, at around 4 p.m., near the intersection of Northwest 38th Avenue and Sixth Street.
Surveillance video from a nearby home showed Henderson’s white pickup truck as it made a right turn. Moments later, the victim is seen walking by the vehicle.
Detectives said that’s when Henderson approached her. First, showering her with compliments to lure her in. Then, he sexually assaulted her.
“Complimenting her on her looks, on her sneakers, trying to get her to come a little closer to him and making her feel comfortable in the environment itself,” said Santiago.
Police said the suspect pulled a knife and told her not to scream.
“He pulled out what she described as a box cutter. He threatened to hurt her or harm her if she screamed or if she fought in any way,” said Santiago.
He then sent her home where she told her mother what happened.
The pair went to the hospital and made the report to police.
Not long after, police used a license plate reader that they said linked them to the suspect.
“Within a few days, we had this individual identified, and we located the individual in the city of Hollywood,” said Santiago.
The neighborhood where the assault took place is a frequent stop for school buses taking children to and from school.
“I already pay attention to my surroundings, ’cause my mom tells me stuff like this all the time,” said a teen who lives in the area.
Henderson is currently in custody.
Police are worried that there could be more victims.
It was in the middle of the day. You had people around, and his demeanor was very calm and very collected, and based on the words that he used and how he was able to convince this female to just approach him and make her feel so comfortable, detectives believe that there may be other victims around that have yet to report this,” said Santiago.
Investigators advise anyone who may have been a victim or know of any victims of Henderson to contact Lauderhill Police at 954-497-4700, or 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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