No Bond For Kidnapping Suspect In Broward
DEERFIELD BEACH (CBSMiami) – A South Florida man accused of kidnapping a woman at gunpoint from a Deerfield Beach medical clinic, and then holding her for seven hours before surrendering himself to a Coral Springs SWAT team, will remain behind bars.
Tuesday Vinson Jerome Rattray Jr., 32, appeared in bond court before Broward County Circuit Court Judge John Hurley. Rattray faces several charges including kidnapping and aggravated stalking. Judge Hurley ordered that bond be set at $300,000 but added that no bond will be issued because of the kidnapping charge which is not a bondable offense.
Rattray, a convicted felon, met his intended victim, Letonya Peak, at the clinic where he was a patient. Peak is an employee of the clinic which is operated by Broward Health. According to his arrest report, she gave him her phone number. When he asked her out, she refused, according to the report.
Peak's mother said her daughter is still recovering from Monday's horrific ordeal.
"I'm glad she's safe and she's home," Debra Branch told CBS4's Kara Kostanich. "She's shaken up but she's doing well and with me to help her, she'll be alright. I just know my daughter is home and that's the best news I could ever get."
Peak and a co-worker had just finished lunch Monday and were heading back to work at the Amadeo Trinchitella Clinic, 916 SW 15th St., when they were approached by 32-year old Vinson Jerome Rattray Jr.
Both women ran in different directions, but Rattray was able to catch up to Peak and drove off with her, according to the Broward Sheriff's Office.
Rattray had reportedly been stalking Peak for months.
"There were other employees who said she had complained about him," said Veda Coleman-Wright, BSO spokesperson. "That he was infatuated with her. And she was nervous. She was afraid of him."
Rattray took Peak to an apartment in Coral Springs and held her against her will, according to the sheriff's office. According to the arrest report, he forced her to stay on the floor and threatened to kill her because she had rejected him.
Neighbors said they saw the Coral Springs SWAT team arrive in force.
"Swat team - tons of them -- rifles drawn and I have no idea what's going on," said neighbor Andrew Sanatass.
Investigators said Rattray finally gave up. He, Peak and the man who lives in the apartment were found unharmed. They were all taken to the police department to sort out the details of a frightening ordeal. Neighbors say they're surprised it ended in their quiet neighborhood but not shocked.
"You never know," said Dave Babinec. "You could be anywhere and it could happen to anybody."
A statement from Broward Health President/CEO Frank Nask said, "The Broward Health family is incredibly thankful that our employee is safe and now with her family. We continue to work directly with BSO to assist in their investigation. The Deerfield Beach Health Center is closed today so Broward Sheriff's Office has access if necessary following yesterday's events."
