Miami-Dade Police Seek Suspect In Sexual Assault
SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE(CBSMiami) - Miami-Dade Police are searching for a predator who picked up a 20-year-old woman at a bus stop by offering her a job and then took her to a hotel where he sexually assaulted her.
Detectives are also releasing a surveillance photo of the suspect, as well as a photo of the dark gray minivan he was driving and a detailed description of him.
CBS4's Peter D'Oench showed the suspect's photo to dozens of people at different locations around Southwest Miami-Dade, including the bus stop and the area where the assault happened.
While no one recognized his photo or his minivan, everyone told D'Oench they were horrified.
"If he's guilty he should get what he deserves," said Luis Acota, as he was waiting for a bus. "It is a serious crime. That's something that needs to be taken care of in our community."
"He should be in jail," said Lester Medal, who works at a car wash right next to the bus stop where the suspect approached the victim.
"This is a great safety concern for the citizens of Miami-Dade County," said Miami-Dade Police Detective Robin Pinkard.
Pinkard told D'Oench, "This is an individual who picked up the victim in broad daylight and drove her to a nearby hotel and assaulted her. This is a person we need to get off the street. If you know who he is, we would like to hear from you."
The surveillance photo appears to show the suspect talking on and holding a cell phone to his left ear while clutching a piece of paper or envelope in his right hand.
Pinkard says the sexual battery happened at 11:30 a.m. on August 1st. She says the victim was waiting for a bus near the intersection of Southwest 26th Street and Southwest 137thAvenue.
That's when the victim was approach by the suspect who offered her a job. Pinkard says she got in the suspect's car and was driven to a hotel in the area of Southwest 8th Street and Southwest 74th Avenue, where she was sexually assaulted.
Police are not naming the hotel but D'Oench spoke with the manager of a hotel at that intersection who told him that Miami-Dade Police removed surveillance tape from her Hotel from an incident that happened on that same date.
Pinkard said "We always want men and women to be careful when approached by suspicious people, whether there offers of employment or monetary scams. Be aware of the surroundings you are involved with. And of course be careful about getting in cars with unknown persons."
Police describe the suspect as a white, Hispanic male in his mid-30s with short brown hair. He is between 5'5" and 5'7" inches tall and 160 pounds with a medium build. He is clean shaven. He was last seen wearing a green polo shirt and blue jean pants.
Residents living near the scene of the crime said they were alarmed.
"I would never get in a car with a man who offered me a job," said Gulenka Buerdo, a neighbor. "Never would I do that. I am very concerned about what happened. I have a daughter."
"What advice do you have for other women? Be careful?" asked D'Oench of Buerdo.
"Yeah," she said. "Don't believe in men."
Miami-Dade Police have not said if they are going to be passing out flyers of the suspect and his minivan. But they do need help.
Anyone with information about him is asked to call Miami-Dade Crimestoppers at 9305) 471-TIPS (8477).
Police also urge you to report any suspicious person to the Miami-Dade Police Department by calling 305-4-POLICE (305-476-5423).
