Local

Deputies: Man tried to rape housekeeper at Disney resort

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County deputies are investigating after a housekeeper said she was attacked by a man in a room at Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

The attempted sexual battery happened Friday afternoon inside a room at the resort, according to authorities.

Deputies said the victim, a housekeeper, went into a room that had its door open to clean and was confronted by a Hispanic man who tried to rape her.

"Fortunately enough for her, she was able to fight off the attack," Ginette Rodriguez, with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, said.

The woman suffered scratches on her chest and was taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out.

Tourists in the area were bothered by the attack but said crime can happen anywhere nowadays.

"When I bring my family down here I try to keep my eyes and ears open. Just because we're in Disney doesn't mean anything," visitor Joe Rossi said.

"I don't think any place is safe this day and age. I think you always have to be careful," another tourist, Nancy Sherrin, said.

Authorities said the suspect, described to be in his early 30s with a mole on the side of his face, fled out of the hotel room. Deputies said they're not sure if the man was a guest and it's unclear how he got onto the resort property

Investigators requested surveillance video from the resort, as well as a list of recent guests who stayed in the room where the attack happened.

"We do want people to take a close look at the composite sketch to see if they do recognize this person so we can bring him in," Rodriguez said.

Disney officials released a statement regarding the hotel room attack:

"We are very focused on the well being of our cast member and have been working closely with the Orange County Sheriff's Office to assist their investigation. We encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff's Office. Providing a safe environment for our cast and guests is our highest priority. In addition to our own extensive security team (more than 1,000 security cast members), the OCSO has a presence on our property 24 hours a day."