Temple Terrace police are combing the area for a man who they say abducted and sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl on Monday evening after offering to pay for food. The girl was taken from an apartment complex and later made it back home while officers were still on the scene, according to authorities. Detectives are now pouring over surveillance video and canvassing the neighborhood as they work to put a name to the suspect.
Investigators say the incident started around 6 p.m. on March 2 at the Doral Oaks apartment complex, when a man in a gray four-door sedan approached a group of juveniles and offered money for them to buy him food. Surveillance footage later captured the 13-year-old inside the Burger King at 8755 N. 56th Street. Police say the suspect forced her into the vehicle, drove her to an undisclosed location where he sexually assaulted her, then dropped her off near the apartments.
The suspect is described as a slender White man with a blonde or sandy-colored ponytail and a reddish-blonde beard. He reportedly gave names like “Brian” or “Ryan” and claimed to be 19 years old, as reported by the Tampa Free Press.
How Police Say The Public Can Help
Anyone with information is urged to call the Temple Terrace Police Department tip line at 813-989-7110 or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at 1-855-FLA-SAFE, according to the city’s public resources. Detectives have been reviewing security footage and interviewing potential witnesses as part of the active investigation. Officials are asking residents to report any suspicious activity and to watch for a gray or silver sedan matching the description provided.
What Charges Could Apply
Kidnapping and sexual battery are both felony offenses under Florida law, and prosecutors will determine the final charges after reviewing the evidence gathered by detectives. Under Florida’s kidnapping statute, the crime is defined as “forcibly, secretly, or by threat confining, abducting, or imprisoning another person against her or his will,” while sexual battery is addressed in a separate chapter that covers offenses involving minors and nonconsensual acts. For the full legal language and potential penalties, see Florida Statutes, Ch. 787 (kidnapping) and Florida Statutes, Ch. 794 (sexual battery).
How Parents And Teens Can Reduce Risk
Safety experts recommend straightforward, age-appropriate conversations about how to handle risky situations. That includes teaching kids not to accept rides, money, or gifts from strangers, to check in with a trusted adult before changing plans, and to practice firm responses if someone tries to lure them. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s KidSmartz program notes that many attempted abductions involve a vehicle and often happen in the late afternoon and early evening, and it encourages parents to role-play scenarios so kids are more likely to act rather than freeze.
Parents with home surveillance systems or doorbell cameras are also encouraged to review recent footage for anything unusual and to share relevant clips with investigators.
Temple Terrace detectives say the investigation remains active and no arrests have been announced. Anyone who saw the suspect, the vehicle described above, or has any other information is asked to contact the department’s tip line immediately.
