Crime & Safety

Young Teen Attacked Near School Bus Stop

The 13-year-old girl was walking home from her school bus stop when a man grabbed her from behind.

A 13-year-old girl walking home from a school bus stop at 601 31st St. S. Tuesday was grabbed by a suspect, who tried to drag her into a vacant house, St. Petersburg police said. 

Police said the suspect began to strike the teenager as she struggled to get free. That's when an unidentified man ran up and pushed the suspect. 

The victim said she was able to break free from the suspect's grasp and ran home. The girl reported the assault to her mother, who called the police.

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According to St. Petersburg Police, the victim reported that she was walking home from her school bus stop and was proceeding south on 31st Street when she saw two men sitting on the front porch of the vacant residence. 

As she walked by the house, one of the men called out to her, but the ignored him and kept walking. That's when, according to police, the man grabbed the victim from behind. 

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The other suspect never said a word and stayed on the porch, according to the police report. 

Based on statements made by the suspect, it appears the attack may have been sexually motivated, police said.

Officers searching the area were unable to locate the two suspects or the Good Samaritan who intervened on the victim's behalf.

Police describe the suspect who grabbed the girl as a black male in his early 20's, 5'8", light skinned, muscular build, full beard, both ears pierced with black & gray earrings. He had tattoos on the inside of both forearms and was wearing a solid black T-shirt with black cargo style shorts, black socks and Nike sandals.

The second suspect, who remained on the porch, is a black male in his early 20's, 5'8", dark complexion, very thin build, unshaven, with small "twisty" braids in his hair. He was wearing a black T-shirt with the Nike logo "Just Do It" written on the front, black gym shorts with blue stripes down the sides.

Detectives are asking for the public's assistance in identifying the suspects in this case, as well as the identity of the Good Samaritan. No detailed description of the man that helped the victim is available. 

Anyone with information can call the non-emergency number at 727-893 7780, Text-A-Tip to 727-420-8911 or leave a confidential tip at 727-892-5000.


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