ORLANDO, Fla. -- A man was arrested Tuesday after attacking and sexually battering a woman near the Orlando tourist district early Tuesday, according to police. 

  • Woman reports attack near Orlando tourist district
  • Joseph Moore accused of sexually battering woman in field
  • Police say Moore is a violent sexual predator from Illinois 

Joseph Thomas Paul Moore, 31, faces multiple charges, including sexual battery, aggravated battery, kidnapping and false imprisonment.

A woman told police that a man, later identified as Moore, followed her as she walked back to her hotel near Universal Boulevard. She said he took her into a nearby field, knocked her to the ground and punched her multiple times in the face. The woman said Moore then made her take off her clothes before he sexually battered her.

The woman was able to get away from Moore. She ran to a nearby hotel and asked for help, the police report stated.

Moore was later spotted in the wooded area where the assault reportedly took place. 

Witnesses told police that Moore was with the woman just before the attack.

Police said Moore is a violent sexual predator from Illinois. 

Joseph Moore, 31, is accused of sexually battering a woman near Orlando's tourist district. (Courtesy of Orlando Police Department)
Joseph Moore, 31, is accused of sexually battering a woman near Orlando's tourist district. (Courtesy of Orlando Police Department)