A University of Central Florida student is attacked at an apartment complex across the street from campus less than a week after the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and UCF police announced an alliance to reduce crime.
Sheriff Office deputies said a female UCF student was on her way home at the Arden Villas apartments when a man came up from behind and forced her into her apartment. The woman struggled and was able to fight off the attacker, according to investigators. The woman said the man exposed himself before running off.
Lisa Sweet, who lives nearby, told News 13 she is afraid after last night’s attempted sexual battery.
“It literally scares me to death. My daughter got an email from UCF at 4:45 this morning notifying her of this,” she said.
The University sends out the security alerts to keep students abreast of crime in the area. Sweet said she now fears for her daughter’s safety.
There is a lot of construction going on at the apartment complex and the main gates have been left open and some security doors don’t even have handles, much less locks, Sweet said.
The mother and daughter explain that while they are glad that UCF police and the sheriff’s office are working together, they feel the area is still very dangerous.
“You always have to keep your patio locked, your doors locked and you shouldn’t have to feel that scared in your own home,” Taylor Sweet said.
The Sheriff’s office is looking for a man in his 20’s with a thin build and approximately 5’10” tall.
If you have any information you are asked to call Crimeline. That number is 800 423-TIPS. You may be eligible for a reward.