FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A Fort Lauderdale man faces several charges after Broward Sheriff’s deputies say he molested a child and later beat up a deputy when he was questioned.
According to investigators, Samuel Austin Shirk, 20, committed sexual assault and lewd and lascivious molestation on a young child.
“The suspect in this case is accused of violating the trust of a young child and this child’s family,” said Carey Codd, BSO spokesman.
On Saturday, a family member reported the sexual assault and on Sunday Shirk was arrested. Investigators say Shirk was staying with the child and child’s young mother.
Detectives believe the incidents, which also include video voyeurism, occurred over a span of several months in 2022.
During questioning by Oakland Park BSO deputies on Sunday, Shirk asked to use the bathroom. Deputies say that’s when he attacked a deputy. He was later arrested.
“The two of them struggled and Shirk attempted to grab the deputy’s firearm. The deputy was able to scream for help. A detective heard the screams and came to that deputy’s aid, both of those deputies were able to subdue Shirk and get him into a holding cell,” said Codd.
Shirk faces additional charges of battery of a law enforcement officer along with attempted escape. He refused to appear in bond court earlier this week, but was still denied bond by the judge on the lewd and lascivious molestation and sex assault charges.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact BSO Special Victims Unit detective Vanessa Encina at 954-321-4689. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.