A man from Florida has been apprehended and charged with attempted sexual assault after offering a homeless woman a ride to her shelter, per reports from Local 10, NBC Miami, and CBS Miami. 32-year-old Rodney Joseph was taken into custody on Wednesday and is currently facing charges of
“kidnapping, attempted armed sexual battery, and assault with a firearm.”
The incident occurred on Monday when Joseph approached the victim in a Miami neighborhood and convinced her to accept a ride from him to a shelter. However, the 40-year-old victim soon realized that they were not heading in the right direction. Reports indicate that the unidentified victim did not know Joseph prior to this encounter. When she attempted to escape from the car, Joseph offered her money if she uncovered herself.
The victim refused and informed Joseph that she was not a sex worker. In response, he began physically assaulting her by punching and choking her while preventing her from leaving the vehicle. Joseph then ordered her to expose her breasts, threatening to kill her if she didn’t do so. Luckily, the victim was able to free herself and flee. She immediately contacted the police from a gas station and then identified
“Joseph from a photo lineup,”
reports PEOPLE.
Miami-Dade officials expressed worries that the suspect may have targeted other
“vulnerable homeless”
women in the vicinity by
“offering assistance”
while
“wearing medical scrubs.”
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
