The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in finding a man who is a person of interest in the investigation of a suspected rape at Downtown Disney last week. Disney security officers found the victim around 5:45am on Thursday July 16 lying naked in some bushes behind House of Blues; her clothes, purse and a used condom were found nearby.
The last thing the woman remembers is dancing at the House of Blues, but according to the police report, she does not remember leaving the club and has “no memory of who might have taken advantage of her and left her naked and helpless in the shrubbery.” Before going to Downtown Disney, she and a friend had been drinking in her apartment; she remembers drinking two bottles of ale and seven or eight shots of vodka.
Paramedics were called when the woman was found, but the report does not mention if she was transported to a hospital. She wasn’t aware of what had happened to her friend or when they went separate ways, but the friend has since been interviewed by detectives.
Jane Watrel, sheriff’s spokeswoman, said, “Our detectives worked this case vigorously until they felt they the needed the public’s help. Sometimes they want to hold things close to the vest so they can proceed with the investigation.”
Police have released three surveillance photos that show a man they are treating as a possible suspect; he left House of Blues early that morning. People are asked to call the CrimeLine at 800-423-8477 if they recognize him or have other information.
News source: Orlando Sentinel
Photo credit: Orange County Sheriff’s Office
