UPDATED: Detectives Investigating 2 Sexual Battery Cases On Volusia Beaches

Date Added: September 18, 2018 10:45 am

Andrew Gant
Office of Public Affairs & Media Relations

Sept. 18, 2018

Update: Analysis of DNA has not produced any leads identifying any suspects in two recent cases where women reported they were sexually battered on the beach (Aug. 31 and Sept. 8). At this point in the active VCSO investigation, there is no definitive evidence providing any direct link between these two cases. The investigation is ongoing. While no further information is available at this time, the Sheriff’s Office continues to urge residents and visitors to remain vigilant and take precautions even as law enforcement continues to take steps to enhance the safety of our beach.

Sept. 8, 2018

DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING ANOTHER REPORT OF SEXUAL BATTERY ON BEACH

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a second recent report of a sexual battery on the beach. The latest incident was reported shortly before 1:30 a.m. Saturday on the 600 block north of the beach, in the area of Seabreeze Boulevard and A1A in Daytona Beach. Sheriff Mike Chitwood, Volusia County Beach Safety Director Ray Manchester and members of both departments appeared in a news conference at Beach Safety headquarters this afternoon to discuss these cases.

Sheriff’s detectives are actively investigating each case, but the victim in this latest incident is a 33-year-old woman who detectives believe was discussing performing a paid sex act with the suspect when she was attacked, beaten and sexually assaulted.

The prior case involved a 68-year-old woman walking on the beach in Daytona Beach Shores early last Friday morning when she was attacked and woke up to find some of her clothes missing. A medical examination provided evidence of sexual battery. (The news release on that case is provided below this email.)

There are significant differences between the cases, and it is unclear whether they are in any way connected. There are also some similarities in the attacks. Regardless of whether these cases are connected, the Sheriff's Office is exploring all avenues and asking members of the public to remain vigilant and take every precaution. This includes avoiding walking alone on the beach in the dark.

The Sheriff's Office and Beach Safety are taking extra steps to provide an enhanced presence (uniformed and plainclothes) on and around the beach as these investigations continue.

Anyone with information about either of these cases is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS or through the P3Tips app available on the Crime Stoppers website, ww.northeastflorida.crimestoppersweb.com. Information submitted through Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.

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Sept. 1, 2018

VCSO DETECTIVES INVESTIGATING REPORT OF ATTACK, SEXUAL BATTERY OF 68-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ON BEACH

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a sexual battery case reported on the beach in the Daytona Beach Shores area early Friday morning. The victim is a 68-year-old woman.

The incident is believed to have occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. Friday, when the victim reported she was walking alone along the beach in the area between Dunlawton Avenue and the El Portal beach approach. The victim was knocked unconscious, and when she awoke, she realized her clothes were missing from the waist down. She went to the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety to report the incident and was subsequently transported to Halifax Health Medical Center of Port Orange for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The victim’s injuries indicate she was struck in the face during the attack. A medical examination also provided evidence that she was sexually battered.

Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue requested Sheriff’s Office assistance in the investigation, and VCSO detectives are continuing to actively work the case.

Additional details are not available for release at this time. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida at 888-277-TIPS or through the P3Tips app available on the Crime Stoppers website, ww.northeastflorida.crimestoppersweb.com. Information submitted through Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $5,000.