SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) — A 74-year-old woman said a stranger attempted to sexually assault her inside her own home, last week.
According to the victim, she heard the doorbell and a knock on the door at her home in the Richmond Heights neighborhood in Southwest Miami-Dade, last Wednesday, at around 6 a.m. "I was reading my Bible when I opened the door," she said. "I was reading. I didn’t think about it. I just opened the door."
The victim, who asked not to be identified or show her face on camera, said the man told her he had a problem with his motorcycle. "He said something about a motorbike or something that he had a problem with," she said, "and when I said I didn’t see a bike and tried to pull the door closed, of course, he grabbed it."
She said the man forced his way inside. "We were tussling back and forth, and then he pushes me down on the floor," she said.
According to investigators, the subject tried to remove her clothes, but she was able to fight back. "She was fighting for her life when it comes to this," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Daniel Ferrin. "An individual came into her home, forced his way into her home, and at that point, she fought for her life, and thankfully she did."
"I’m a fighter. I’m a person who will push in the first place because I’m strong," said the victim.
Shortly after, she said, the man fled the scene. "I was still fighting and howling. Then he left because it was almost close to daylight," she said.
"She fought those people off. I’m so proud of her. I couldn’t believe it," said area resident Charla Taber, who knows the victim.
The victim credits her faith with helping her fight off her attacker. "I know that’s what helped me, ’cause I’m a true believer in God. I trust Him for everything and anything," she said.
Police were able to compose a sketch of the suspect, but more than a week has gone by, and he is still out on the streets, putting the entire community on edge. "It’s a terrible thing to happen in the community," said Alexander Washington, a concerned resident. "He may knock on my door, although I live here alone."
Area residents are now on the lookout for the attacker. "Most of the women along here are elderly ladies, seniors, so, we have to look out for each other," said Lillie Washington.
The victim said she chose to share her story in the hopes her attacker is apprehended. "It’s something I’ll never forget, because he invaded on my privacy," she said.
She has a message for other women in the area. "Just be careful, because I’ve always been careful," she said, "and like I said, I was reading God’s word in the morning and wasn’t thinking about any meanness or nastiness, but it caught me off guard."
Police said the subject is a black male between 18 and 25 years old. They said he stands at least 5 foot 5 and has a medium to heavy build.
Police believe the subject may have targeted other women. If you recognize him, please call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.