WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Deputies have arrested a man accused of an aggravated sexual battery in Satellite Beach last month, Satellite Beach police said.
Police said an arrest warrant was issued for Harry Page, 36, on Friday, after the Florida Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that evidence collected from the scene at Hightower Beach Park matched his DNA profile.
A woman was reading a book inside her car in the park's parking lot when Page attacked, beat and raped her, according to police. Police said Page pulled her from the car, pinned her to the ground and hit her several times in the face and head. The woman said he also threatened her life multiple times, police said. She tried to fight him off, and during the process bit his tongue, police said.
Police said the woman's doors were locked, but because her windows were down, Page was able to reach in and unlock the doors.
The woman suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital, police said.
Page was arrested by Polk County deputies around 6:30 p.m. Friday, police said.
“Our investigative team worked nonstop on this case, following up on nearly a hundred leads," Satellite Beach police Chief Jeff Pearson said in a press release. "Ultimately, this arrest came down to good police and forensic work. Further information will be released as our investigators continue to follow up on leads and use every resource available to make sure this case is successfully prosecuted and this man won’t harm anyone else again.”
Pearson called Page "violent and disturbed" during a press conference Saturday morning, adding that he is a registered sexual predator out of Polk County. Police also said that Page has an extensive criminal background.
The police chief said he doesn't know why Page came to Brevard County, and that he was there for a few hours prior to committing the crime and left shortly after. Pearson also warned anyone who wants to go to Satellite Beach and commit crimes, saying, "We will find you and put you in jail."
Pearson said the victim has been notified of Page's arrest and she said she's relieved and doing better.
He is being held without bond at the Polk County Jail until he is transferred to the Brevard County Detention Center, police said.