Woman bites man's tongue who raped her in Brevard County park, police say

SATELLITE BEACH, Fla. — Satellite Beach police released a new description Tuesday of the man they said beat and raped a woman in the parking lot of Hightower Beach Park.

The attacker, who is believed to be in his 30s or 40s, is described as white and weighing about 175 pounds.

Police said the man may have possible scratches near one or both eyes, as well as bruises on right fist and hand.

The woman told police that she bit the man's tongue, so he may have a change in his speech.

The 59-year-old woman was seated in her parked car at about 7 p.m. Monday when a man reached into the locked car through an open window, unlocked the door and pulled her out, Satellite Beach police Chief Jeff Pearson said.

The man pinned her to the ground, hit her several times in the face and head, threatened her life and raped her in the parking lot, Pearson said.

The man fled in an unknown type of vehicle, investigators said.

"I get goose bumps. I would never think... I easily come over, I wouldn't be afraid to come here in the evening by myself, I've done it," said Donna Bress, a beach visitor.

Police said the woman, who was seriously injured, drove herself to the police station before she was taken to a hospital for treatment. She has since been released.

Police said there were people nearby in the park, but it appears that no one witnessed the incident.

Channel 9's Melonie Holt found out several years ago that the city tried to install cameras in the park as part of a pilot program, but it didn't pan out.

Detectives said they’re working with the victim to develop a composite sketch that will be released Wednesday. In the meantime, police presence at the park has been increased.

The park isn't brightly lit because of sea turtle regulations.

Eyewitness News learned there were four sexual battery cases reported last year in Satellite Beach.

"When we moved here a couple of years ago, we researched a lot of the area, and we found the area was the safest around Brevard. That's why we moved here," said Lavon Dennis.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Satellite Beach police at 321-773-4400 or Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Cox Media Group