Police Identify Suspect In South Beach Sex Assault
MIAMI BEACH (CBSMiami) - Police have a suspect in the sexual battery of a South Beach hotel guest. Police say Derrick Jackson, 28, attacked a woman about 4:30 a.m. Friday, September 6th in the Breakwater Hotel.
Police say Jackson got onto the elevator with the victim, a woman in her 20's visiting from Switzerland, and said he was going to the same floor she was. When the elevator doors opened, police say Jackson grabbed the woman from behind, dragged her into her room, sexually assualted and robbed her.
Images of Jackson were caught on surveillance cameras, according to police.
Records show Jackson is a registered sex offender with a considerable rap sheet, including charges of kidnapping and sexual battery. Police don't know where he is now, but said he seemed familiar with the hotel.
"It's unbelievable," said Paolo Villa who is staying at the hotel. He said he has seen security guards and that's comforting.
Tourists staying nearby say they're finding safety in numbers, and as long as they're together they're not too concerned.
"I'm pretty aware of who's following me, who's around, who's in the surrounding area so I don't think I'll be taking extra precautions. I'll just be more mindful of my surroundings," said Jelenia Jimenez, who's visiting from New Jersey.
If you have any information on Derrick Jackson's whereabouts, call Crimestoppers at (305)471-TIPS.
