By Andy Boyle and Rodney Thrash, Times Staff Writers
Monday, August 23, 2010
CLEARWATER — When students return to Plumb Elementary on Tuesday, they will probably notice more Clearwater police officers than usual.
That's because police are looking for a man they say sexually battered and robbed a 31-year-old woman near the school early Monday.
"We will have an increased presence in the area," police spokeswoman Elizabeth Watts said. "The duration is still to be determined."
According to Watts, the victim was in the area of 1920 Lakeview Road about 3:39 a.m., trying to find a friend's house near Plumb Elementary. The man approached her, threatened her, took her to a nearby parking lot and sexually battered her, police said.
The man then took her purse and ran off, police said. He was described as a 17- to 18-year-old black man, 5 feet 6 and 170 pounds. He was wearing a purple and orange ball cap, a purple and orange jersey, black shorts and black Nike shoes.
Detectives have reviewed video from the school, but there was no image that could potentially help identify the suspect.
Anyone with information about the crime can call the Clearwater Police Department at (727) 562-4420, or remain anonymous and text a tip to 847411. Anonymous tips also can be submitted to the department's website at clearwaterpolice.org.