HOLLYWOOD, Fla. – A 14-year-old boy was arrested late Monday night in connection with a sexual battery that occurred last week in Hollywood, authorities confirmed Tuesday morning.
According to Hollywood police, detectives and SWAT team members served an arrest warrant in the 700 block of South Park Road just before midnight and took Terry Berger Smith into custody.
“We’ve been very uneasy in the neighborhood because you’re seeing cops here. Not just one car, but like 10 cars,” Maria Solerdubreuil, who lives in the area, said.
Police said the sexual battery occurred around 3:50 a.m. Friday.
According to authorities, the victim, whose age has not been released, was walking to her job when she was attacked and raped by the teen in the 300 block of South Park Road.
At the time, the teen was wearing a sweatshirt, shorts and a blue mask.
No other details about the attack were released.
“We heard what happened to the woman. We’re all happy and thankful they could catch the guy, so now we can have some reassurance,” Solerdubreuil said.
Hollywood police confirmed to Local 10 News they are investigating another case from May involving the same suspect and a different victim. The circumstances surrounding that case have not been released.
Smith appeared in juvenile court Tuesday and was ordered to be held in detention for at least 21 days until his next hearing.
His father also appeared in court and addressed the judge.
“My son is 14 years old the local news is showing his picture. Is there anything that can be done about that,” he said.
While Smith is currently being held in juvenile detention, the state could decide to charge him as an adult.