DeLAND, Fla. – DeLand police say a woman was walking near a park Thursday evening when she was abducted and sexually battered by an unknown man.
The victim told police she was walking near South Parson Avenue and Beresford Avenue around 8 p.m. when a man forced her into a black Ford Mustang. The location where she was taken is close to Spring Hill Park.
The woman was then driven to a secluded area in DeLand where she was raped and beaten, police said.
After the attack, the victim flagged down someone who called 911.
Officers canvassed the area and Volusia County Air One performed an aerial sweep but did not find the attacker, according to the police report.
The attacker is described as a tall, slim Hispanic male with dark black hair and scruffy facial hair. He had an unknown thick accent.
The victim was taken to the hospital and suffered injuries during the attack.
“She suffered a broken wrist or forearm and that’s the extent that I know," DeLand Police Chief Jason Umberger said.
Umberger said detectives believe the same man may be targeting women in the area.
“There’s been some other women that have come forward to our investigators and indicated to us that, yes, he’s approached them," the chief said. "They do have a legitimate concern for their friends and colleagues that walk around that area.”
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the attack to call Det. Ramkissoon at 386-626-7426 or email ramkissoonk@deland.org.
Check back for updates on this developing story.