Rapist at large after attack at Temple Terrace apartment complex

Image 1 of 2

Police in Temple Terrace are reminding residents to be vigilant after a woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted overnight.

According to police, the woman spotted “a small group of suspicious individuals” as she was walking through the Preserve at Temple Terrace apartment complex.  She headed in another direction to avoid them, but while walking between two of the apartment buildings, she says she was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted.

Now, detectives want to speak to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the apartment community -- which is off Fletcher Avenue -- between 11 p.m. Monday and 1 a.m. Tuesday.

They say the primary suspect is described as a male of unknown age, race or ethnicity, who was wearing a black “tube-style” mask with a white skull face. Descriptions for the others in the group are not yet available.

“Local residents should remain vigilant and alert at all times, especially during the nighttime hours, and to report suspicious activities to the police immediately,” a police spokesperson added.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Temple Terrace Police Department at (813) 506-6500.