A woman walking near South Blue Lake Avenue and Windy Knoll Lane in DeLand was knocked to the ground by a 17-year-old who deputies say hit her from behind and grabbed her clothes before she fought back and chased him down the street, screaming for help. The attack happened Tuesday at about 5:30 p.m., and the teenager fled into the woods, where a K-9 unit eventually tracked him down.
According to the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, the teen hit the woman from behind, pushed her to the ground, and grabbed her clothes before she managed to break free, as reported by FOX 35 Orlando. Rather than freeze, the woman turned the tables and ran after her attacker while yelling for help, deputies said. She then flagged down a passing driver who called 911 on her behalf.
K-9 Unit Tracks Suspect Into the Woods
Volusia County K-9 units located the suspect after he fled the scene, the sheriff's office said. The teenager was ultimately taken into custody, though deputies have not shared any details on the extent of the woman's injuries, the station's report notes.
The 17-year-old now faces charges of kidnapping, attempted sexual battery and resisting arrest without violence, according to the sheriff's office, as reported by WESH. The outlet reported that after processing at the Family Resource Center, the teen was transferred to the secure custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
What Remains Unknown
Investigators have not released the suspect's identity, and no information about upcoming court proceedings or a case outcome has been made public. The sheriff's office also has not detailed how badly the woman was hurt in the attack, leaving key questions about her condition and the case's next steps unanswered for now.
