A quiet Fort Pierce neighborhood woke up to chaos before sunrise Wednesday when a man allegedly forced his way into a home in Indian River Estates and assaulted a woman inside, according to local authorities.
The break-in happened around 5:45 a.m. at a Silver Oak Drive residence. Deputies say the intruder bolted on foot before they arrived, triggering a K-9 search that swept through the surrounding streets and nearby businesses.
According to the WPEC, the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to a burglary call and that the suspect allegedly forced his way into the home and battered the woman. Investigators identified the suspect as 19-year-old Kalani Gordon and quickly set up a perimeter while canvassing the neighborhood.
During the search, deputies reported finding a shotgun in a vacant lot across the street from the residence, as first detailed by WPEC. A short time later, officers located Gordon at a nearby business and took him into custody. The sheriff's office said he was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail.
Charges and Next Steps
The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office reports that Gordon faces multiple charges, including aggravated stalking; burglary with assault or battery; burglary of a dwelling while armed; fraud and abuse; armed trespassing in a structure or conveyance; and resisting an officer without violence. He is being held at the county jail.
Officials have not yet released information about bond, and prosecutors will review the case before any formal charges are filed in court.
Detectives are still asking for the public's help. Anyone with information is urged to call the sheriff's tip line at 772-462-7300 or submit a tip through the department's website.
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