Patrick Gamache, 20, has been arrested and charged with sexual assault/battery after an attack on the Seminole Wekiva Trail. The incident, which took place on Monday afternoon, was thwarted by the quick actions of a nearby citizen who heard the victim’s calls for aid and called police.
The attack occurred at around 4:00 p.m., near the intersection of State Road 434 and Douglas Avenue. According to accounts, a female victim was heading northeast along the trail when a man riding an electric scooter approached her.
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The suspect then pulled the victim to the neighboring woods. Her calls for aid were heard by a concerned bystander, who found her and promptly dialed 911.
Following an investigation, officers identified and tracked down the culprit, Patrick Gamache, who was arrested on Tuesday. He has been charged with sexual assault and battery and is currently being held at the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office facility.
Sheriff Dennis M. Lemma issued a statement praising the victim’s bravery and the community’s assistance in the arrest.
“I want to recognize the victim’s tremendous courage throughout this traumatic event,” Sheriff Lemma said. “Her strength in recounting the details gave our detectives the critical information they needed to swiftly identify, locate, and apprehend the suspect.” He also extended his gratitude to the citizen who intervened, stating that “it is through the courage of victims, the dedication of law enforcement, and the support of our community that we remain strong and resilient in the face of those who seek to do harm.”
The Sheriff’s Office closed its statement by advising the public to be attentive and mindful of their surroundings while participating in outdoor activities.
