Local

Composite sketch released of man who sexually assaulted girl in Casselberry

CASSELBERRY, Fla. — Casselberry police said a composite sketch of a man who broke into a home and sexually assaulted a teenager Saturday morning is generating new leads.

Investigators said the crime happened at the Stonecastle Apartments near Semoran Boulevard and Howell Branch Road shortly after 7 a.m.

The 17-year-old college student was home with her 10-year-old sister when the man crawled through their window, officers said.

Police said the man was armed with a gun when he broke into the apartment and sexually battered the girl.

Investigators spent several hours talking to neighbors and searching for evidence.

"I rushed home to make sure my child was safe," neighbor Dr. Judith Gutierrez told WFTV.

Gutierrez was at work when the assault happened next door to her home.

"I have someone who takes care of my child and lives with me, but I don't feel safe anymore," Gutierrez said.

The victim was taken to a facility for sexually abused children and did not need hospitalization, according to police.

The suspect is described as a light-skinned Hispanic male who appeared to be 19 or 20 years old and stood about 5 feet 8 or 5 feet 9 inches tall.

He also had a piercing under his lower lip, according to police.

A 24-year-old woman told Channel 9 she was violently attacked in the same apartment complex recently.

The woman said she vividly remembers the November morning she was held at knifepoint in her bedroom.

"I can't sleep by myself because I wake up and start screaming," the woman said.

The student who was sexually assaulted helped the Sheriff's Office put together a composite sketch of her attacker.

While the two suspects appear different, police are looking at all possibilities.

"The sketches are different but we don't stamp it and close it," said Capt. David Del Rosso. "We'll look to see if there's anything else there."

Police said they have been getting phone calls and emails into their tip line but no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Casselberry Police Department.