Andrew Gant
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

SHERIFF’S DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING REPORT OF RAPE IN NEW SMYRNA BEACH AREA

Sheriff’s detectives are investigating a report of a sexual battery that is said to have occurred Monday afternoon after a stranger approached a home in the New Smyrna Beach area.

The victim, a woman in her 50s, reported that the suspect knocked on her door around 3:30 p.m. Monday in the area of Pioneer Trail and Canal Street. When she opened the door slightly, she said the suspect asked her a question, then forced the door open, pointed a handgun at her and threatened to shoot her pets if she didn’t do as he said. She said he forced himself on her and punched her during the sexual battery.

The suspect was described as a 45- to 50-year-old white male, about 5’11”, heavyset, with a long gray beard. He was wearing a red T-shirt and black pants, and riding a red bicycle.

Detectives are continuing to investigate this case; while no additional details are available at this point in the active investigation, this preliminary information is being released for public awareness and precaution.