Local

Teen arrested after attacking woman, attempting abduction near DeLand, deputies say

Deputies said a 17-year-old was arrested after an alleged attack on a woman walking in DeLand.

DELAND, Fla. — A 17-year-old boy was arrested after deputies said he attacked a woman who was out for a walk and attempted to abduct her in the DeLand area Tuesday evening.

According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Elijah V. McCarrell, 17, of DeLand, was arrested by a sheriff’s K-9 following the incident, which happened around 5:30 p.m. near South Blue Lake Avenue and Windy Knoll Lane.

Investigators say McCarrell approached the woman from behind, struck her and knocked her to the ground before pulling down her shirt.

The woman fought back and then chased the suspect as he fled the area, yelling for help, according to deputies.

Authorities later tracked down McCarrell, who was taken into custody with the assistance of a Volusia Sheriff’s Office K-9.

McCarrell faces charges of kidnapping, attempted sexual battery and resisting arrest without violence, according to the sheriff’s office.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

0