A man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Pinecrest, in Miami-Dade, was arrested this Sunday at a county hospital in Palm Beach, according to authorities.
The 25-year-old assailant identified as Michael Angelo Figueroa-Hernández was taken into custody with the assistance of the Atlantis Police Department and subsequently transferred to the Palm Beach County jail, according to reports from local media.
The incident occurred on Monday, March 3, at the 13000 block of Southwest 69th Court, around 7:30 a.m., when the victim was walking in the area.
According to the Pinecrest Police Chief, Jason Cohen, "he grabbed her from behind in what was described as a bear hug, and... he touched her inappropriately."
In response to the assault, the woman started to scream and defended herself, which caused the suspect -whose nationality has not been disclosed- to let her go and flee on a light blue bicycle.
According to the police, the victim's quick response prevented the aggression from continuing and allowed witnesses in the area to provide crucial information.
In the surveillance images, he is seen riding the bicycle and carrying a purple bag.
Later, the investigators found the abandoned bike near the intersection of Southwest 138th Street and 77th Avenue, which reinforced the hypothesis that the suspect had fled on foot after the attack.
The capture of Figueroa-Hernández took place on March 9 at a hospital in Palm Beach County, although it is unclear why the now-accused was at that medical facility.
"With the help of the Atlantis Police Department, our detective was able to apprehend him, leading to his arrest and subsequent transfer to the Palm Beach County Jail," Cohen stated.
Authorities have confirmed that the suspect is facing charges of sexual assault.
It is expected that in the coming days he will appear before a judge for the formalization of charges. The Pinecrest police continue to investigate the case and have urged anyone with additional information to contact the authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions about the sexual assault case in Miami-Dade
Who is the suspect arrested for the sexual assault in Pinecrest?
The arrested suspect is Michael Angelo Figueroa-Hernández, 25 years old, who was apprehended at a hospital in Palm Beach County. He has been identified as the assailant in the incident where, according to testimonies, he attacked the victim while she was walking along the 13000 block of Southwest 69th Court in Pinecrest.
How was the attack in Pinecrest carried out?
The attack occurred in the morning of March 3, when the victim was walking in the area. The assailant approached her from behind, applying a "bear hug" and inappropriately touching her. The woman's quick reaction, as she began to scream and defend herself, caused the suspect to flee on a light blue bicycle.
What measures are being taken against the suspect?
The suspect faces charges of sexual assault and is expected to appear before a judge for the formalization of these charges. The Pinecrest police continue to investigate the case and have urged anyone with additional information to contact the authorities.
What was the key to capturing the assailant in Miami-Dade?
The capture of Michael Angelo Figueroa-Hernández was made possible thanks to the collaboration between the Pinecrest Police Department and the Atlantis Police Department. The swift reaction of the victim and the information provided by witnesses were crucial in identifying the suspect and tracking him down to a hospital in Palm Beach.
Filed under:
