PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Pembroke Pines police are investigating a sexual battery of a juvenile female that occurred Sunday night.
According to police, the victim, whose age was not immediately released, was walking in the area of 1400 S. Flamingo Road around 7:50 p.m. when a man approached her from behind, covered her mouth with his hands and pulled her into some bushes, where he raped her.
The man then ran southbound from the area, authorities said.
“I’m very shocked and disturbed to find out that on such a busy road no one stopped to look or even realize what was going on,” Pembroke Pines resident Alexis McCray said.
Officers said the victim didn’t have a working cell phone at the time, which made her search for help more difficult.
Police said officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic dark-skinned man, who is between 20-30 years old. He has dark hair and was wearing a white polo shirt and black jeans.
“I hope they really find the guy and he gets all the punishment he deserves, because I’m sure the girl is living with the trauma now,” McCray said.
The incident has now left other women on alert until the culprit is found.
“I usually keep an eye out as much as I can, but it’s just -- to any girls walking alone, like try your best not to and always stay prepared,” McCray advised.
The police department released the following statement Monday morning: “The Pembroke Pines Police Department is committed to protecting all members of our community, especially children. We are requesting the community’s assistance with identifying the suspect and if anyone has any information, please contact the Pembroke Pines Police Department at 954-431- 2200, email tips@ppines.com, or call Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.”