Suspect in violent downtown Orlando attack turns himself in, police say

ORLANDO, Fla. – Violent attack suspect Michael Scarlett is in custody after turning himself in to the Orange County Sheriff's Office Monday, according to the chief of Orlando police.

Chief Orlando Rolón said Scarlett was wanted for an attack that happened on Cathcart Avenue on Oct. 9.

Police say a woman was returning home after walking her dog at Lake Eola when Scarlett followed her. The woman told police the 28-year-old forced his way inside her home and beat her.

Scarlett was booked into the Orange County Jail without bond around 4:44 a.m. He's facing a burglary of dwelling charge with assault or battery and a kidnapping charge. He's being held on no bond and will not be allowed to return to the area of the incident.

Sergeant Charles Crosby, supervisor or Orlando police special victims unit addressed media Monday to discuss Scarlett's arrest and pending similar cases.

"We are very grateful that he is in custody and that he is no longer on the street," Crosby said about Scarlett's arrest.

Orlando police say Scarlett is not connected with another October attack in downtown Orlando. 

Officers say DNA evidence linked James Calixte to the Oct. 25 sexual assault on the 1300 block of East Jefferson Street in Thorton Park. 

"The warrant is still active for Mr. Calixte," Crosby said. "We continue to ask the community, media partners, anybody who sees him please contact your local law enforcement he is considered a violent offender."

Crosby said the recent string of similar violent crimes in the downtown Orlando cannot speak an overall increase in crime in the area. 

"I cannot speak to any statistical pattern of crime in that specific area," Crosby said. "I think there's a perception right now, that there may be increased crime in that particular area -- I just don't know that that's the case."

Orlando police have since increased patrols in the area. 

They're asking anyone who sees Calixte to call Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS.