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Sexual assault in Seagrove

NightAngel avatar
NightAngelBeach Fanatic
8,847 views
Didn't I see some dingdong on here a couple of days ago saying there was another Rap (Rape but he spelled it Rap) in Seagrove and no one believed him because there did not seem to be any reports out? Well, I found this on the NWFDN site today:

UPDATE: Investigators work to identify suspect in sexual assault in Seagrove


July 21, 2011 2:38 PM


SEAGROVE BEACH — Investigators are trying to identify a suspect in a sexual assault on Tuesday.
A 27-year-old woman reported that an unidentified male broke into her home about 3 a.m. and sexually assaulted her, said Michael Morrison, spokesperson for the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment and to collect evidence, Morrison said.
"Investigators are continuing to work with the victim to gather information, collect forensic evidence and determine who may be responsible for the crime," he said.
The Sheriff's Office did not release the exact location of the incident in order to protect the identity of the woman.
Walton County Sheriff's deputies are continuing to collect evidence in the murder of a teenage girl in the same area last month.
Seagrove resident Steven Cozzie has been arrested and is awaiting trial on murder charges in the death of Courtney Wilkes, who was vacationing in the area with her family from Lyons, Ga. She was found strangled and sexually assaulted in the woods off Robert Ellis Street.
"Seagrove is generally a safe place," Morrison said. "Unfortunately we had a tragedy near this incident a few weeks ago. These incidents are unrelated and purely coincidental."
On August 30, 2010, a similar crime occurred at the Villas at Seagrove Beach on County Road 30A. A woman in her 50s from Louisiana was sexually assaulted after a man entered her room during the night. A description of a suspect was obtained, but no arrests were made in the case.
Morrison said the case is still open and that it is unrelated to the assault on Tuesday.
Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff's Office at 850-892-8186.
Check back for updates.


Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/seagrove-42044-investigators-sexual.html#ixzz1Smh73Zlc

Edited

Replies

33
heartbren avatar
heartbrenBeach Fanatic
#2
Didn't I see some dingdong on here a couple of days ago saying there was another Rap (Rape but he spelled it Rap) in Seagrove and no one believed him because there did not seem to be any reports out? Well, I found this on the NWFDN site today:

UPDATE: Investigators work to identify suspect in sexual assault in Seagrove

Comments 7
July 21, 2011 2:38 PM

Lauren Sage Reinlie
Daily News
SEAGROVE BEACH — Investigators are trying to identify a suspect in a sexual assault on Tuesday.
A 27-year-old woman reported that an unidentified male broke into her home about 3 a.m. and sexually assaulted her, said Michael Morrison, spokesperson for the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment and to collect evidence, Morrison said.
"Investigators are continuing to work with the victim to gather information, collect forensic evidence and determine who may be responsible for the crime," he said.
The Sheriff's Office did not release the exact location of the incident in order to protect the identity of the woman.
Walton County Sheriff's deputies are continuing to collect evidence in the murder of a teenage girl in the same area last month.
Seagrove resident Steven Cozzie has been arrested and is awaiting trial on murder charges in the death of Courtney Wilkes, who was vacationing in the area with her family from Lyons, Ga. She was found strangled and sexually assaulted in the woods off Robert Ellis Street.
"Seagrove is generally a safe place," Morrison said. "Unfortunately we had a tragedy near this incident a few weeks ago. These incidents are unrelated and purely coincidental."
On August 30, 2010, a similar crime occurred at the Villas at Seagrove Beach on County Road 30A. A woman in her 50s from Louisiana was sexually assaulted after a man entered her room during the night. A description of a suspect was obtained, but no arrests were made in the case.
Morrison said the case is still open and that it is unrelated to the assault on Tuesday.
Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff's Office at 850-892-8186.
Check back for updates.


Read more: http://www.nwfdailynews.com/articles/seagrove-42044-investigators-sexual.html#ixzz1Smh73Zlc


Thank you for this information. I did not hear anything about this and it is good to know. I hope they catch this person.
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#3
Rather frustrating that that weird post (so strange that it was hard to take it seriously) was the only info/alert we had. One would hope there would be a press release or public safety warning.
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#4
SEAGROVE BEACH — Investigators are trying to identify a suspect in a sexual assault earlier this week.
A 27-year-old woman reported that an unidentified man broke into her home about 3 a.m. Tuesday and sexually assaulted her, said Michael Morrison, spokesman for the Walton County Sheriff's Office.
The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment and to collect evidence, Morrison said.
“Investigators are continuing to work with the victim to gather information, collect forensic evidence and determine who may be responsible for the crime,” he said.
The Sheriff's Office did not release the exact location of the incident in order to protect the woman’s identity.

“Seagrove is generally a safe place,” Morrison said. “Unfortunately, we had a tragedy near this incident a few weeks ago. These incidents are unrelated and purely coincidental.”

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff's Office at 850-892-8186.

http://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/seagrove-42044-investigators-sexual.html
hippiechick avatar
hippiechickBeach Fanatic
#5
Why don't the police put a description of the suspect? I hope they catch the sorry son of a b........!
Ladies be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Will B avatar
Will BModerator
#6
According to the hit and run poster who reported this, initially, and never backed it up, the guy who did it was bald with gold teeth...

Or so says that guy. Was it credible? Who's to know, but he did make the post days before it hit any kind of news...
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#7
No idea - I posted this because it was from a credible source, but they specifically said it was not related to the murder and did not give a description. Usually they give a description if they have any information.
passin thruBeach Fanatic
#8
According to the hit and run poster who reported this, initially, and never backed it up, the guy who did it was bald with gold teeth...

Or so says that guy. Was it credible? Who's to know, but he did make the post days before it hit any kind of news...

I thought it was "bald with a gold T [shirt]...", not gold teeth, but, like you say, who's to know? That poster never elaborated on his initial, mis-spelled, sensational post, and I believe the thread was then eliminated.
lms47 avatar
lms47Beach Lover
#9
This information has been in the NWFN for the last 2 days and I was hoping someone in the area knew more details. Where, when, who, and how??
ShallowsNole avatar
ShallowsNoleBeach Fanatic
#10
This information has been in the NWFN for the last 2 days and I was hoping someone in the area knew more details. Where, when, who, and how??
They already said when. On a Sig32, they ain't gonna say who and, if it compromises the identity of the victim, they ain't gonna say where.
(and lest my laptop suddenly changes my identity like it's been doing on SoWal lately, this is the nole, not the fuzz)
lms47 avatar
lms47Beach Lover
#11
You are right. And, you are showing up as "ShallowNole".
Here4Good avatar
Here4GoodBeach Fanatic
#12
I understand protecting the identity of the victim, but don't understand why they didn't release a description of the suspect.
soappedaler avatar
soappedalerBeach Fanatic
#13
A number of years ago there was a string of sexual assaults at Sandestin and Dune Aleen. From what I remember Sheriff Johnson did not release a lot of information to the public because they didn't want to scare away tourist. They eventually caught at least one suspect.

A female friend of mine who lived alone got a self defense class together. It was taught by Jimmy Macon who was with the sheriff's office at the time. I took the class and it was great, hope I never get attacked but feel like I have the knowledge and skills to defend or attempt to defend myself. Not sure what Jimmy Macon is up to these days but I'd take a refresher class with him if it was offered.
dunelover avatar
duneloverBeach Fanatic
#14
This scares me! especially the lack of talking about it. I don't know what is appropriate to do in this situation. But, as we are renters who just checked in to Seagrove for the week...it has me on edge. I am glad I turned to Sowal for info on the junegrass free locations and stumbled across this. Although, now that the thread has been moved, i am not sure how many people are going to see it.

The above post by Soappeddler, is bothersome too! I just want information like, did she know him, did he come in through unlocked doors or what. Anyone w/ this info, but afraid to post online please pm me so i can better protect myself and my family. The mother hen in me is uncomfortable in a multfloor house with multiple entrance/exits and thinking about my girls.
seagrovegirl avatar
seagrovegirlBeach Fanatic
#15
I truly believe if the public was in danger there would be enough info to prepare ourselves. It's understandable to be frightened and want more info, I do too, but there is a reason (IMHO) that we are not getting more press on the assault. We have an A+ Sheriffs Dept. and I have faith if we need to know, they would let us know.

Unfortunately things like this happen all over the country and it has been happening here since I moved here in 1972, just like everywhere else. It just doesn't happen here often, thank God. My advise would be to relax but keep your guard up just like you would do anywhere else.
dunelover avatar
duneloverBeach Fanatic
#16
I agree....it is just that i normally don't live in a house with glass doors, no curtains, and neighbors so close. Or without an alarm...that is the part out of my control. Nice to hear that your belief in your Sheriffs Department is strong. For now, i am going to enjoy the beach...but, I won't be going out alone at night.
shellakBeach Fanatic
#17
i know people in this area who still keep their doors unlocked. sorry, but this is not the 1950's or '60's. we should all be prudent regarding our safety and not become complacent because we live in this beautiful area. particularly to the women - keep your doors and windows locked, house and car. if you have a security system, use it. be very careful going out alone late in the evening after dark. always be aware of your surroundings. i used to be less careful but after my stint as a prosecutor, i really changed my thinking. criminals look for easy opportunities like open windows or unlocked doors. don't make it easy. no need to become paranoid but be aware.
heartbren avatar
heartbrenBeach Fanatic
#18
i know people in this area who still keep their doors unlocked. sorry, but this is not the 1950's or '60's. we should all be prudent regarding our safety and not become complacent because we live in this beautiful area. particularly to the women - keep your doors and windows locked, house and car. if you have a security system, use it. be very careful going out alone late in the evening after dark. always be aware of your surroundings. i used to be less careful but after my stint as a prosecutor, i really changed my thinking. criminals look for easy opportunities like open windows or unlocked doors. don't make it easy. no need to become paranoid but be aware.


I totally agree. Being from New Orleans, I am used to keeping my doors locked. The crime there is terrible since Katrina. You cannot escape from it, but you can move to a place with less crime if your are fortunate enough to be able to do so which is one of these many reasons I moved here. However, I do think it should have been on the news so people can make a choice to be safter and more aware.
WaltonIsOneBeach Lover
#19
Maybe there would be a way to have a police report information "feed" from the Walton County Sheriff's department to a page here on Sowal that could alert us all about such situations. One realizes that releasing such information can be considered bad PR for the area, but, all of us being ignorant of this information is far worse.

Maybe we could call it the "Sowal Neighborhood Watch".
scooterbug44 avatar
scooterbug44SoWal Expert
#20
Usually if there is an incident or public notice, it does get posted. There wasn't one in this case.

And I find it ridiculous not to post information because "it might scare tourists" - because even with all of the atypical incidents we've had recently, we still only have a fraction of the crime, sex offenders, violence etc. as the places they are visiting from.

For example, Fulton County has over 1300 registered sex offenders. Walton County has 119.

Edited

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