On Tuesday, June 21 at approximately 6:50am Officers with the Marianna Police Department responded to Mega Gym located 4215 Kelson Ave, Marianna, FL., where a young female was assaulted and physically restrained using ligatures. According to the victim, as she was pulling into the parking lot she observed a white male sitting at the church’s flower beds, located on the west side of the gym.
The subject was described as a white male approximately 6’1, thin build, wearing stone washed colored carpenter style pants, a plaid flannel style button up jacket, a dark color t-shirt, gloves and a grey toboggan style hat. The victim entered the gym, and as she walked to a secondary door to unlock it, she peered outside to see if the subject was still present. She stated she did not observe him anywhere in the parking lot.
After she entered the classroom she heard a noise. Thinking a student had arrived, she called to him, but no one responded. A few moments later she observed the white male standing in the doorway of the classroom. The male subject was the same person she had observed moments earlier at the church.
The suspect approached her and grabbed her by her shirt collar the suspect then began to ransack the area to include the victim’s purse. The victim stated she tried to fight off her assailant. The suspect then produced a knife and made a threat to kill. The suspect then escorted her into the gym at knife point where he eventually restrained her and left her in a secluded area within the building.
The suspect fled prior to law enforcement’s arrival. The victim was discovered when a parent arrived to drop off their child and noticed the front entry of the gym was in disarray. She then heard a muffled cry for help coming from the classroom area, as well kicking on the wall. For the safety of her and her child, she backed out and returned to her vehicle. As she drove to the end of the building, she called 911. Upon officer’s arrival, the victim was still restrained and with the assistance of the officers, she was freed and did not suffer any major injuries from the incident. Preliminary investigation indicates the motive was robbery.
This incident is still under investigation at this time. If anyone has any information about the incident or the suspect you are encouraged to contact the Marianna Police Department at 850-526-3125, or anonymously at CRIMESTOPPERS at 526-5000.
